Congratulations!

Sirs,—As one of the organisers of two previous student demonstrations in 1948 (against conscription and against the Dutch attack on the Indonesian Republic). I would like to congratulate the present generation of students for their magnificent demonstration against the American emissaries of war.

I think this represents the highest point of student political activity yet reached in New Zealand.

It restores to Victoria the proud reputation of leading in progressive political action, a reputation established in the depression and anti-fascist struggles of the thirties and forties.

Contrary to the comment on 2YA that evening, my impression of the march was of its serious, reasoned and determined character. I felt many students were somewhat surprised at their own temerity in challenging in serious political struggle the forces of the state and money power in New Zealand.

In this splendid patriotic activity to keep New Zealand out of the grasp of the warhawks of America, the students are not only safeguarding their own lives against conscription and war; they are expressing the conscience of New Zealand outraged by the horrible spectacle of the mechanised might of America waging its war of aggression against a peasant people struggling to be free.

R. J. SMITH, M.Com.