The usefulness of U Thant's much-discussed speech at Greenboro' lies in its realism; he was speaking to American quakers and not to readers of "The Week", The emphasis in Nationalism rather than Communism was, I believe, put forward as a reason for ending the Vietnam war, one that his audience could accept as convincing and use as a basis for propaganda against escalation. In theory, at any rate, the Government of the United States is not anti-nationalist and does not want to be thought so. British Leftists are not quite as naive as Alan Rooney seems to expect and there is no question of our looking to U Thant for "leadership". The supposition is absurd - and a negative attitude to peaceful co-existence between the U.S.A, and U.S.S.R. is equally unreasonable. Does Mr. Rooney really think that a third world war would bring socialism any nearer or lead to anything but senseless destruction?
EET HH Rhos
VIETNAM: U Thant or Solidarity? What are the implications of U Thant's and other calla for negotiations to bring peace in Vietnam? What should be the demands of those opposed to the Vietnam war to achieve the common aimiof peace and justice for Vietnam? This new pamphlet is available from the Vietnam Solidarity Campaign at 9d & copy, Dep. Reduced rates for bulk, V.S.C., 49 Rivington St., E.C.2.