THE ATOMIC DEADLOCK

Mr. Dodds And a Petition Big Public Meeting To Be Called

Mr. Norman Dodds, M.P., put forward at a town's meeting in the Council Chamber, Dartford, on Friday, suggestions relating to the work of organisations in the interests of the United Nations Association.

The meeting was called by the Mayor of Dartford (Councillor Mrs. Flora Welch), who presided, for representatives to discuss what could be done to urge the Government to make constant endeavours to end the “atomic deadlock.”

The Mayor said Dartford should give a lead and let the Government know that the people wanted to secure peace on earth and goodwill to all men. That night's meeting was in the nature of a foundation for another and larger meeting to be held on May 19 at Dartford Grammar School.

Mr. Dodds described the meeting as a “sort of working party,” in which there was joint consultation between various organisations and civic heads of the district. “We in Dartford might be the means of inspiring people not only in this country, but all over the world,” he said.

“It is no good people in Dartford saying, Why don't they do something in Manchester or Edinburgh?' There must be leaders. Why not from Dartford?”

COMBINED EFFORT

Governments had not much confidence in other governments, and the strongest thing that would bind peoples of different countries together would be a combined effort of the ordinary people for peace.

He himself had certain ideas he wished to put forward on how organisations, business houses, Churches, schools, youth and sports clubs could help. Organisations could work for membership, there could be teams of canvassers, and they could make arrangements for social events. There could be a U.N.A. show at Dartford Gala, and the association's work publicised. Perhaps the profit from a future Mayoral Ball could be devoted to Dartford U.N.A.

Business houses could buy space in the newspapers ( “This space given by courtesy of …   .” ) for the purposes of U.N.A. Traders in the town should be prepared to display U.N.A. notices. In the churches references could be made to the association's work. He would like to see the Churches combine one Sunday, with U.N.A. as their theme. A similar combination could take place with the purpose of canvassing between such organisations as the Labour League of Youth and the Young Conservatives. No politics would, of course enter into the matter. Sports clubs could, perhaps, hold a tournament on behalf of U.N.A.

IMMEDIATE ACTION

The Member for Dartford drew attention to a petition which he hoped people would sign. The petition was headed, “We, the undersigned, earnestly desiring the restoration of peace and friendship throughout the world, petition His Majesty's Government to take immediate action, by all means in their power, which will lead to the outlawing of weapons of mass destruction.”

Speaking from the body of the hall, Miss Margaret Roberts, prospective Conservative candidate for Dartford, endorsed Mr. Dodds ' suggestion about canvassing by the political youth organisations. It might be a good idea to adopt one town in Russia, one in America and, say, one in France. The Young Conservatives had thought of presenting a pageant. They would willingly hand over their idea to the United Nations Association.

Mr. W. Metson (U.N.A. head-quarters) hoped the various representatives would go back to their organisations and urge them to assist. “This is a people's movement, and I hope you are going to inspire your members to come along on May 19.”