Voracious speaking and vigorous, well-expressed arguments were heard at the VUC's Little Theatre on Friday, 10th, when the Debating Society battled the topic "That This House Approves U.S. Policy on Formosa!"

The Negative speakers tried to deal with America's policy, as best they could ("after all," one speaker pointed out, "It changes every time Mr. Dulles gives a press conference.") Many speakers affirming the motion made too much use of the emotional-overtones "free world, democracy, liberty . . ." Perhaps that's why the motion was last (11 for. 19 against).

Last Bastion

O'Connor (Aff.) began. Formosa was important strategically, our former ally, the "last bastion of liberty in Asia", because of previous events. America was sitting tight, prepared to negotiate and anxious to preserve the' peace of the area. ("Yea", interjected Bollinger, "the biggest piece she can get.") Straightforward and lucid. Brown (Neg.) said it was not a question of the merit of China's red Government. Our alternative to co-existence was nonexistence to which even President Eisenhower ("in his more lucid moments") had concurred. American prestige was not our concern.

Which China?

Shaw (Aff.) chose to regard Chiang's as the true Government of China. The Communists wanted not peace, but Formosa at any cost. Then Thomas (Neg.) said that if O'Connor, who is on the staff of the "Evening Post", thought as he argued, "he is assured of the Job of Editor of that paper." America's actions "stunk" of aggression prompted by the "war with China now" group. Larsen (Aff.) said he preferred the clear line drawing (step over and I'll punch your nose) of the U.S. to the non alliance policy of Nehru.

Dulles and Conbad

Ever since he had shaken hands with Mr. Dulles, said Bollinger, (Neg.) he had thought the worse of his right hand. "But what about your left hand?" someone interjected.

Whitta (Aff.) urged the house not to appease as we had in 1933. Curtin (Aff.) wanted to consider the Formosan people, arguing forcefully for free elections there. Riddet (Neg.) advocated Colombo power guidance to a plebiscite in Formosa.

Well ...

De Cleeno (Aff.) could not give a damn if the three million Formosans all fried in hell ("you will").

Poison (Neg.) considered American policy historically. Steiner (Neg.) asked "Why should we support this scoundrel Chiang?" South (Neg.) advocated Christian doctrine. Elwood (Aff.) brooded over a cup of tea with a merchant.

. . . Well

A most convincing argument as to the undesirability of the Anglo-U.K. rift was stated by Cruden (Neg.). Doogue (Neg.) deplored American support for "boosted-up minorities".

The Judge. Mr. Meggatt of the "22" Club, gave first five placings to Thomas, Cruden, Brown, O'Connor and Curtin.

Among last year's more promising players was Mr. Allen, this year's Assistant Custodian, who if we remember aright, first caught Mr.. Schroder's eye by breaking a cue: graft!