ROMAN CATHOLICS AND THE WAR
[To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR.]
SIR,—The Catholic Press of this country has lately revealed an attitude towards the Italo-Abyssinian conflict which has caused much annoyance and disgust to Catholic laymen. Lest an impression become current that British Catholics support or condone the attack upon Abyssinia, I would welcome an opportunity of repudiating the claim of those publications to represent the views of the Catholic laity, while the following extracts prove that they certainly cannot• claim to represent the views of the hierarchy.
In April hist, the Pope answered a bellicose utterance of Mussolini thus :
We cannot in fact persuade ourselves that those who have at heart the nation's prosperity and well-being can wish to drive to slaughter, ruin and extermination not only their own nation, but a great Pait of humanity as well.
But if anyone should dare to commit this crime, we shall not be able to do otherwise than to pray God with bitterness of heart : eBeatter Thciii the nations that delight in wars.' "
On October-13th last, Archbishop Hinsley began an address with these words :
"Indignation has no bounds when wo see that Africa, that ill-used continent of practically unarmed people, is made the focus and playground of scientific slaughter.'
In spite of these declarations and in violation of the principles of Catholic morality, the three Catholic journals of England have vied with one another in attaching those who wish to restrain the aggressor, in sneering.at the League of Nations and abusing " sanctionists." They praise the Hoare-Laval Plan and call for its resurrection. One .of them even accuses Sweden of "Protestant Bigotry in protesting against the
bombing of 4,a, cross hospitals Their columns are open to letters accusing the Abyssinian soldiers of vile atrocities,.
despite :official denials by the Foreign Office. My letter of protest was—as I expected-7refu.seclpublication.
• In 1914, I and thousands of other Catholics risked our lives for a moral principle and, if necessary, we are prepared. to take the same risk today when Abyssinia has replaced Belgium as the injured nation. It is our view that only by the ruthless assertion of moral principle in affairs between nations, regardless of consequences, can the world be made tolerably safe for decent people:
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I have spoken to many Catholic laymen and rejoice to say that I have not found one to support the cowardly and immoral policy advocated by the alleged Catholic Press of
this country.—I am, Sir, • F. OsBANLON. - St. Michael's, Hayling Rise, High Salvington, Worthing.
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