Through Christian Eyes

In preface it is important to remember the great area covered by Pacific countries, their vast and almost entirely coloured populations, mostly Buddhists. Moslems or Pagans and that while some countries have been civilised thousands of years, others have been only for a century or so. Despite lack of communication they have all been peace-loving till recent times; it has not been until the beginning of this century, as Japan has asserted herself in international politics that the Pacific has shown its importance strategically or as a belligerent potential. The Second World War has shown the Western nations this.

In the days of the first war, the Pacific countries were mostly colonies or Western nations, the. British, Dutch, French and Americans. Although these countries have done much in developing them socially and economically, the overall picture, if gauged from the, point or view of the Oriental himself, was one of imperialistic exploitation.

Seriously undermined by Axis propaganda between the wars, the prestige of the white man was smashed by Japanese victories reaching a clintax at Singapore. When Japan finally surrendered and the Potsdam declaration and Atlantic Charier signed, the Pacific people thought Imperialist days were over and that a new era of hope had dawned. But the Western Powers have been slow to recognize this new spirit and slower to bring independence. Now, on the fertile grounds of disillusionment, the Communists have ben propagandising and encouraging the national, racial and ideological consciousness of the people, as is seen in a country like Burma today. The Chinese are equally involved and along with the labourers of the other countries, intoxicated with the doctrine of Marxism. Everywhere. Communism, masked behind nationalistic movements, is taking hold of the very complex situation. Recent developments in China are very threatening, for if South China is overrun by Chinese Communists, this would possibly threaten the peace of the whole S.W. Pacific.

What can we do about this situation? I do not think the problem can be solved by political or military means; national, racial or ideological problems can only be solved by faith. Faith in humanity, in the power of love, and in God.

There are very few Christians in the Pacific countries; starvation ignorance and sickness are widespread, and the West has done little to inculcate faith in the aforesaid things.

As is being done in such a magnificent way, but in such small proportions, in China by Christians, we can only overcome hate and bitterness, arising from poverty and bred by nationalism, by the use of love.

In the eyes of the Pacific people, financial aid from the West will be suspected of lot motive until such things as the US discrimination against the Negroes, or Australia's White Policy have been erased.

Faith cannot be restored unless love dominates men's hearts. Is not this the task of the Christian Church to undertake? Some people believe' that war between the Western democracies and Communism is inevitable, and that even in the West wins, there will be war with the coloured races. If this comes true, it will do so in the Pacific, I'm afraid, and it is up to the West to forestall this by extending a loving and helping hand to the Pacific people.

In 1925, an SCM Conference was held in Peking. As a result one of the English Students was so moved to help China that he went home, trained in the Anglican Ministry and came back seven years later as bishop to Hong Kong. I would like his example to be an inspiration for you as lo what your movement can do. I hope that another conference may be held and that some of you may be able to go out to serve as doctors, teachers, engineers or missionaries. For as well as being amhassadors of your country, you will be ambassadors of Christ, going out to make known with boldness the mystery of the Gospel.