Evening star., 1938-02-17
Littell Not Spokesman
For Methodist Youth
To the Editor Of The star:

10 tne EoitOI oI AHe 6IAI.
The Star of February Is informs me
that Mr.. Frank Littell, student at Union
Theological Seminary, and social action
chairman of the National Council Of
Methodist Youth, stated to a congress
sional committee that he would not fight
to protect this country in the event Of
Japanese invasion, nor would he fight
to protect his mother or his sister.
Within recent years was president Of
the Christian Youth Council of North
America. While in that position en-
countered expressions of such opinion,
but observed that as rule they orig
mated with the adult sponsors Of youth
groups instead of with the inexperienced
young people themselves. 1t is my
opinion that such sentiments, revolving
as they are to common sense as well as
to sentiments of manhood are not
shared by more than minute section OF
the Nations Christian young people. 1t
Is altogether abnormal and an attitude
that violates Christian principles of re-
sponsibility and sacrifice.
AS it happens, am also Methodist.
It seems to me that it is high time that
this small group should be called to task.
Their expressions are not only embar-
raising; they are humiliating to millions
of Methodists who have no responsibility
or sympathy for them. BY what church
authority is Mr.. Littell sponsored? 1t
is not an adequate sponsorship; of that
feel absolutely certain.
GORDON BARNES.
To the Editor Of The Star
An Associated Press dispatch appear
ing in The Star attributes to Mr..
Littell, 20-year- theological student
who is said to be social action chairman
of the National Council of Methodist
Youth, the statement that he would not
participate in resistance to hostile troops
If this country were invaded and that he
would not use force in protection Of his
mother or his sister.
The National Council OF Methodist
Youth is small body of intelligent and
sincere young people and their express
sions seem to be almost entirely con-
trolled by older men who are radical in
their opinions.
I think that In stating the convictions
which would govern his own conduct
young Mr.. Littell does not represent more
than an infinitesimal portion of the
Methodist constituency. Certainly. I
find his statement, assuming that it is
correctly reported, shocking.
Whether or not the United States Navy
should be enlarged and what should be
the character of the new instruments
made available to 1t should. it seems to
me, be determined by the international
political situation and by the efficacy of
the Navy as an agency for national
safety. If We are going to have a navy
at all 1t should be entirely adequate and
completely efficient Such a navy is the
only means by which the country can be
assured Of an alternative in the event
that its diplomatic and popular striving
for peace is not successful. Instruments
OF war are not militaristic; the motive
controlling their use may be miitaristic.
I am firmly convinced that militaristic
feeling in the diplomatic organization of
the United States and in the Army and
the Navy is at the lowest point in history.
Under these circumstances we will do
we'll to afford the Government the best
possible instruments with which to dis
charge its terrible responsibility.
These statements Of opinion are purely
personal and not representative in any
way. DEETS PICKETT.