N. E. A. on Preparedness

The U. S. is the only important nation in the world without compulsory military training. Last week Congress gravely pondered that pregnant fact. So did many a citizen. So did U. S. educators, convened in Milwaukee for the annual meeting of the National Education Association (membership: 203,000).

Preparedness, but not military preparedness, was the keynote struck by N. E. A.'s president, stout Amy Henrietta Hinrichs of New Orleans, before the 11,000 delegates: "Universal education is ... the first line of defense in our national life." Other orators:

American Legion's Commander Raymond John Kelly: "It is tragically futile for us to continue to teach the undoubted beauties of international peace and good will to our own people, when in opposition to such ideals we have most of the countries across the oceans indoctrinated with belief in the efficacy of the mailed fist. . . . The impregnating of the juvenile mind with the fundamental duty of the American citizen to bear arms in defense of his country is an obligation of the schools."

University of Wisconsin's President Clarence Dykstra: "We are appropriating billions for armaments to defend the American system and millions to train skilled workers and technicians. This will not create a national unity, nor will hysterical witch hunts. . . . One mobilization which we cannot neglect in our haste to prepare is the girding of our spiritual, moral and intellectual reserves."

American Youth Commission's Howard Y. McClusky: "Without exception the dictators of Europe have risen to power upon the shoulders of bewildered youth. What the youth of America think and do is of supreme importance to all of us. We want them to uphold and strengthen our democracy--but we will have to show them and give them a democracy that works."

On compulsory military training, the convention, fearful lest military preparations cut down money for schools, passed a noncommittal resolution:

"The N. E. A. points out that peace is the normal status among nations and that educational systems should continue to promote the ideal of peace among men. At the same time, the association strongly advocates such preparedness as will make the U. S. fully able to defend itself.

"Since education is essential to the maintenance of democracy, the N. E. A. insists that the defense needs of the country can and must be met without injuring youth by interrupting normal and necessary educational services. The ultimate line of national defense is to be found in the loyalty, intelligence, health, technical skill, self-discipline and character of the citizens, and not in the regimentation of youth characteristic of totalitarian systems. . . ."

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