(Ed. Note--The Crimson does not necessarily endorse opinions expressed in printed communications. No attention will be paid to anonymous letters and only under special conditions, at the request of the writer, will names be withheld.)
To the Editor of the CRIMSON:
The Continuations Committee feels that the CRIMSON is to be commended for its fairness and clear thinking as evinced both in Saturday's news article and editorial on the Anti-War Strike. I refer especially to the commentator's understanding of the magnitude of the peace problem, of the scarcity of effective means at our command, and of the need for positive action.
Furthermore, there is no conflict between his thesis and ours. Psychological in appeal, the strike aims to make students aware of the danger of inaction and to unite youth in determination to avert the next war. By a "dramatic" appeal, can the pressure of indifference and unseen military propaganda best be overcome.
At almost all colleges which participated peace societies have since been established, when such were not already in existence. Similarly, at Harvard torrents of discussion have been let loose and dozens have asked for something to do. How much more easily now can the 150,000 pacifists mobilize to get the United States into the World Court. (as Saturday's editorial suggested), to defeat Oath of Allegiance Bills (as students have already done in two states), and to nip every other bud of militarism!
Immediate steps to be taken are the joining of all students in the Harvard Peace Society and the enrolling of their organization in the former City-Wide Strike Committee, which has become a permanent anti-war agency.
The Harvard Peace Society has no dogma other than that murder and civilization are incompatible. It recognizes that each new generation must make an original analysis of its problems before it can proffer valid solutions. Therefore, H. P. S. has two objectives: (1) study, (2) action. Various study groups inquire into specific phases of war and its cure. When conclusions are reached and the Society votes its approval, H. P. S. becomes a concerted force for the translation of those conclusions into action.
We invite the CRIMSON to continue its constructive policy by cooperation, giving suggestions, and criticizing. An annual anti-war strike followed by nothing else is as ineffectual as annual new-year's resolutions. We call upon our fellow students to carry on from day to day. A. Jerome Himmelhoch '38.
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