WALES & WORLD PEACE.
THE MEMORIAL from the WOMEN OF WALES AND OF MONMOUTHSIRE to the WOMEN OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
A call has come to the Women of Wales to render a great service in helping the world towards the ideal of international fellowship in saving the human race from having to undergo again the agony of a world war.
As a practical step it was decided by a well-attended Public Conference held in Aberystwyth on 23rd May, 1923, that the Women of Wales should approach the Women of America and tell them frankly of their concern for the future of [civilization].
Happily, there exists between Wales and America a close historical tie in the quest for World Peace. It was an American citizen, Elihu Burritt, who first suggested to Henry Richard the proposal to hold a series of international Peace Congresses in 1848, 1849, and in 1850. And now the Women of Wales in 1923 are seeking to win the assistance of the Women of America in carrying to completion the work started in 1848 by a Welshman from Tregaron and an American from Connecticut.
The Memorial should emphasize three things: (1) The debt which we in Wales owe to Elihu Burritt for the service which he rendered in the middle years of the nineteenth century by kindling enthusiasm in some of our Welsh towns and by inspiring our fellow-countryman, Henry Richard, to enter upon some of his great tasks; (2) the thrill of joy which was felt in every home in Wales when the United States decided to enter the World War and make common sacrifice with us in the cause of humanity; (3) the conviction felt by us all that if America in her own good time should again take her place at the side of the British commonwealth her action would be decisive. If the vacant chair in the Council of the League of Nations could be filled by America the world would be saved for evermore from international bloodshed. [page 2]
To the Memorial certain objections are likely to be raised: --
(1) It will be argued that it will do no good. This is the kind of argument which is inevitable. It has been advanced against every effort for progress since the world was. Columbus must have encountered it in a very virulent form when he explained to his companions what he hoped to accomplish. America was discovered because Columbus insisted upon taking the risk of sailing out upon an uncharted sea.
(2) Then it will be argued that the action of the Women of Wales might be resented by the Women of America. This is not the least likely to be the case. Several well-known Americans who have been approached hail the proposal with enthusiasm. One of the best-known Americans, speaking about it, said, "It is a capital idea, but if you ask my advice you will do well first to confine it to Wales. We might resent anything of the sort from a big Empire, but Wales is different. And then confine it to the Women of Wales. After all, to women foreign politics are domestic politics, capable of invading the home and involving unspeakable suffering and loss. The women have a right to speak out regardless of the niceties of diplomacy."
To do the work thoroughly, to obtain the signatures of women in every town and village and hamlet, will be a task which will involve careful preparation, and the cost will be high. But the Women of Wales are not likely to be frightened by that. To create an impression in war we gladly and willingly spent money at the rate of £5,000,000 a day; to build only one battleship we consented to the spending of £7,000,000. What are we ready to spend upon an effort which will create a world-wide impression in [favor] of Peace? If the Memorial -- a single act in a generation -- is worth doing it is worth doing well.
The Women of Japan sent a widely-signed petition to the Washington Conference on Naval Disarmament, but it is believed that this is the first occasion on which the women of one country have suggested the [organizing] of a Memorial to the women of another country on a matter which so vitally affects every woman and every home throughout the world.
Will the Women of Wales take up this great work with a determination to make it worthy of their country and of themselves? Their action can well change the whole course of world history; the effect of the Memorial upon American and upon world opinion will be immense -- it will be broadcasted to thousands of homes which are already beginning to dread the ominous march of the world's armies.
The future is big with hope if the Women of Wales of this generation do their part. To them has come an opportunity as real as the responsibility is grave. They have been called upon to give of their nearest and dearest -- those whom they dare not betray and whose unfinished work it is theirs to complete. [page 3]
Having read the leaflet describing the purpose and scope of the Memorial from the Women of Wales to the Women of the United States of America, I desire to be associated with the movement.
I am willing to do all in my power to help forward the work of World Peace and I enclose a donation of £ [blank space] : [blank space] s. [blank space] d. [blank space]
Name _________________________________
(Please state whether Mrs. or Miss).
[2 blank lines]
All donations should be addressed to: THE HON. TREASURERS, WOMEN'S MEMORIAL FUND, 6, CATHEDRAL ROAD, CARDIFF; an acknowledgement will be sent by return.
THE MEMORIAL FROM THE WOMEN OF WALES TO THE WOMEN OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
Chairman of the Executive Committee:
MISS M. F. RATHBONE.
Hon. Treasurers:
LADY DAVID R. LLEWELLYN.
MRS. PETER HUGHES GRIFFITHS.
[Organizers]:
North Wales and Cardiganshire: MRS. HUW PRITCHARD, OF PWLLHELI.
South Wales and Monmouthsire: MRS. E. E. POOLE, OF NEWPORT, MON.
Offices of the Campaign, to which communications should be addressed:
LEAGUE OF NATIONS UNION, 6, CATHEDRAL ROAD, CARDIFF.
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