18 JUNE 1932, Page 16

AGAINST WAR

ITo the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—Alongside the failure of the Disarmament Conference up to now we ]nave encouraging signs of a general desire on the part of intellectuals to organize themselves against war. The most recent is the international committee, which was formed on the initiative of Romain Rolland and Henri Barbusse, in order to unite all who are ready to resist the danger of a new war. They are holding a Congress at Geneva on July 28th. Also, the Five Years Disarmament Plan of Einstein and Lord Ponsonby is another encouraging fact. This plan includes the abolition of conscription, the imme- diate cessation of recruiting and enlistment and the immediate cessation of the manufacture of munitions and weapons of war. Lastly, we have had the Peace Army, which was formed by Dr. Maude Royden, " Dick " Sheppard and Dr. Herbert Gray.

I appeal to all people, especially young people, to support all these organizations with all their hearts. Whether or not we will have a next war depends on those who are willing now to resist the danger of a new war. If the governments fail, we must take the whole question of disarmament into. our own hands.—I am, Sir, &c.,