Shame Of War

How a Missionary Solved a Problem

(By a Missionary)

THOUGH I had recognised that Britain could take no other course, it was with a deep sense of shame and repug nance that I faced the task of announcing to the natives of Paama (New Heb rides) that the British Commonwealth of nations was at war.

After proclaiming for 40 years, to peo ple whom the world calls savages, that vendetta warfare was a beastly method of settling disputes, and should be replaced by the new and better way of concord and negotiation, I felt it a great humili ation to have to confess that my own country was at war. I wondered what the reaction of the Christian natives would be; and, remembering their ante cedents, I made sure it would be one of disapprobation.

To make the announcement. I obtain ed from the school-house a blackboard and, writing oh one side, “Germany at war with Poland”, I showed it to a big crowd of natives who had assembled at the morning dispensary of Benjamin, the native medical practitioner.

Every one knew about Germany, but Poland was a new name.

When I explained that Poland was a small and weaker nation about to be over run by a powerful and well-armed neigh bour, they expressed their horror and indignation. Benjamin voiced the pre vailing feeling by enquiring, “Will no one go to the help of Poland?”

Now I turned the blackboard to the other side, whereon was written; “France and Britain are helping Poland”.

Sparkling eyes and smiling faces greet ed the announcement, and instantly there was a spontaneous murmur of ap proval and applause.

Instead of suffering humiliation at the action of Britain in declaring war, the native verdict thrilled me with a feeling of pride. These native Christians, the descendants of cannibals, thought it a great thing that the people of Britain and France should fight and die in de fence of justice and fair play. I felt like proposing “Three cheers for the Condo minium”.