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The Spike: or, Victoria College Review, 1939

International Relations Club

page 73

International Relations Club

At the best of times the number of clubs contributing to the cultural life of the College is limited. And where such clubs have been formed, the mortality has been high, mainly as a result of student apathy or lack of interest.

All the more pleasing therefore to record the forming, late in the Session admittedly, of an International Relations Club at V.U.C. Apart from the contribution the Club will make to the intellectual life of the College, its inception has come at a time when it is most needed. The 1939 Session has been seriously affected by the breakdown of international relations, and the outbreak of the present war; students again face great social problems. It is the duty of the University to meet this challenge, and to continue intellectual discussion so that the essential issues and basic facts will not be lost in the chaos of emotionalism which is the inevitable outcome of the effect of war upon a community. This is where the new Club can be of great assistance.

As a result of the efforts of Prof. F. L. W. Wood, an inaugural meeting of students was convened in July last to discuss the possibility of forming at V.U.C. an International Relations Club similar to those already functioning at universities and colleges in many parts of the world. This well-attended meeting was unanimous in its decision to elect a committee to form a club whose objects shall be to promote an interest in the study and discussion of world affairs. It was also agreed that "The Club is not to support exclusively any one view as to how best to treat the conditions which now prevail throughout the world, but to fix the attention of students on those underlying principles of international conduct, of international law, and of international organisation which must be agreed upon and put into action if a peaceful civilisation is to continue. Events overseas have moved quickly since then—an even more difficult task faces the Club.

The following Committee was elected:—

Faculty Adviser: Prof. F. L. W. Wood.

Chairman: A. T.Fussell.

Secretary-Treasurer: Miss M. McWilliams.

Committee: Misses F. E. Maclean and M. S. Sutch. and Mr. F. H. Corner.

In August the Club held its first discussion, a dialogue between Prof. L. M. Lipson and Dr. J. C. Beaglehole on the pros and cons of a British alliance with Russia. The discussion was very well attended, and indicated the wide interest in international affairs among students of the College. The dialogue was maintained at a high peak for two hours—testimony to the capacity of the speakers and to the excellent possibilities of the Club.

A series of discussions on the present international situation with Profs. Lipson and Wood and Dr. J. C. Beaglehole as the speakers, has been arranged for the final term. The Club has filled an urgent need, and has made a splendid start.

The Committee wishes to record its appreciation of the assistance given by the Carnegie Corporation. New York, in the supply of books to the Club, and thanks are due to Mr. R. W. Edgley, ex-President of the Students' Association, for his ready co-operation during his term of office.