SIR,—In the discussion about the peace aims and "after victory"
policy two schools of thought—if I may use this expression—are represented. One of them supports the view that it is much too early to proclaim peace aims, and that even after victory is won there should be as little " planning " as possible. The other school sug- gests that peace aims should be stated, without delay, as a sort of reply to the much-advertised Hitler's " new order."
Let us remember that in the last war Germany was beaten not only by the force of arms, but also by the vigour of the Allies' propaganda and by a new programme proclaimed by the Allies. It can be even said that Germany was crushed first in the domain of ideologies before she was crushed militarily. She was certainly beaten more effectively and thoroughly in the battle of ideas than on the battlefield. If we want to beat Germany of today we have to exert all our powers: military and economic, our ideological and propa- ganda resources. We cannot allow Germany to win this battle of ideas. By leaving to Germany the slogan of the " new order " and by preserving silence on the question of the future of the post-war world we are helping German propaganda. Therefore it is most essential to confront the world with new ideas and far-sighted pro- gramme. Otherwise peace will have caught us unprepared as it did in 1918. Our " new order " should be made known to the world, it should be advertised in all the subjugated countries. Not only Hitler's "Neuordnung " would be badly shaken by such a bold reply, but also new hopes would be awakened in all the occupied countries. People must know what they are fighting for. They want to know what will be the shape of the world to come, they want to know what will be the safeguard and security of this new world.
The Western world neglected badly the value of ideas and ideologies. Let us inspire the world with some generous and far-
reaching plans, because the world needs not only comfort, but also some sort of belief. The slogans of survival and the return to the status quo are unable to inspire Europe.—Yours truly, The White House, Regent's Park, N.W. .r. AXEL HEYST.
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