StR,—(1) When you state that " No distinction is made by Fax ' between objective rightness and subjective conviction," you mistake our position. " Pax " is not concerned with judging any man's subjective convictions but with proclaiming what it takes to be the objectively right course.
(2) It is not our concern to judge "every modern case of conscientious objection." We simply put forward " conscientious objection " as the ineluctable consequence of certain convictions and invite the cooperation of those who share those convictions. The objective rightness or wrongness of those convictions cannot be adequately discussed in a newspaper correspondence.
(3) Those of us who are Catholics do not expect any " authoritative pronouncement " of the kind you suggest. As the Catholic press has often pointed out when people have been agitating for " authoritative pronouncement," the authorities of the Church simply lay down general prin ciples in these matters. The principles laid down concerning the use of war and the duties of individuals are quite clear.
President of " Pax ": DONALD ATTWATER.
Chairman: E. I. WATKIN.
17, Red Lion Passage, London, W.C.1.
[We stiu maintain that a soe.iely lirepared to support any a-nd every kind nf conscientious °Hee-lion (see leafletün" Pax") is one that does not distinguish, between the objective rightness and subjectire conviction of those it is prepared to support. In so far it appears to be non-Gatholie.—lerrou.]