The True Loyalty

The method of friendship, indicating so far as the referendum is concerned a vote against conscription, does not mean that we are avoiding our responsibilities to our fellow-men, either in New Zealand or abroad. It means that we think that the best method of carrying out our obligation to our fellows is by being friendly with them over all the earth, and by showing, by consideration in this way of even those who disagree with us, that we think there is a better way of life, a way in which we can, if we will, live together. This course will never avoid the problems of having each individual person follow it for himself or herself. But this point just shows, in one particular, how it is that such a solution as this does not submerge the individual in the mass: it depends on each one of us.

I have put this before you to show that there is a positive alternative to war or preparation for war. We must extend our friendship to the uttermost bounds of the earth.

The case against conscription in New Zealand today, then, is briefly this: We are faced with antagonistic activities between nations which are difficult to assess. The referendum makes it necessary to consider what these facts are, and also the implications of our decision. The State's compulsion to killing cannot be justified. If wars are inevitable we should delay them. But wars are not inevitable. Conscription must be considered in the full light of its consequences. From these I have shown why conscription leads to war. War produces more harm than good in the short run and in the long run, and so far as both [unclear: victors] and vanquished are concerned. Violence and war never bring human wellbeing when all the consequences are considered. Any alternative must therefore be better. Even so, more hope can be offered. The method of conciliation and friendship can work, and wherever it has been tried faithfully it has worked. I suggest we can make it work, and that if we make it work we will achieve the greatest possible well-being for people on earth. Conciliation will work if it becomes love in the Christian sense. Christ's spirit and teaching and life show this, and also give as specific advice as to how we should act in regard to evil or possible evil. There is a better way than conscription—it is the way of friendliness; of caring for all people. For us at this time, whether Christians [unclear: or] not, this means many things.

It Certainly Means we Must Vote Against Conscription.

—E. B. Robinson.