Boy Scouts

Dear Sir—An article, "World Youth Week—Progress Through Unity," appeared in a recent issue of your publication. It contained misleading statements in the form of insidious propaganda, which I feel should be corrected, and I therefore ask you to publish this letter in full.

(Sorry, no. See last issue.—Ed.) Your suggestion that the Boy Scout movement is a tool of Imperialist politicians is pure nonsense. The Scout movement owes no allegiance to any political party, nor does it spread propaganda of any political creed. I am speaking from experience, your contributor obviously is not. Any person who has had the privilege of belonging actively to the organization for six or seven years as I have, cannot truthfully deny my observations. For four years I have the good fortune to be a patrol leader in company with Mr. Bruce Milburn, who was recently the editor of Salient. In 1938-39 I attended the world jamboree in Sydney, at which Mr. R. Smith of the V.U.C. Socialist Club held a responsible position. I am sure these two gentlemen will confirm my observations.

It is true that the scout movement does not concern itself with the problems of higher education and social reform, etc., but as was pointed out in your article, the ages of the boys concerned age from 11 years to 18 years. They receive training in camp craft, ambulance work, etc. They are taught the normal Christian doctrines, and are encouraged to practice them. I suggest that the real essence of your article was another (cut).