Narrowing the Gap

Abstract

Two sources of ideas on international affairs are the scholars and newspapermen, and the diplomats. The for mer offer judgments which are arrived at freely and objec tively ; the latter test the practicality of an idea or solution. There should be a balance between the ideal and the practical. In order to avoid war, we should try to find ways to bridge the gap between the Communists and the Free World; but we should also be aware of the dangers inherent in compro mises and conciliations. The ways of free people cannot be sacrificed. Korea exemplifies in a practical way the gap which divides the world today. The reunification of the country is a vital problem; and the right to free elections is the inalien able right of all Koreans—North or South. The Communist fear of encirclement is not a valid one since in all its long history Korea has never been an aggressor. To narrow the gap in the world today, we must determine "which side repre sents a tolerable way of life." The West cannot sacrifice its principles of freedom for "to do so would be to eliminate the gap by being swallowed up in it."—Ed.