Parallel Views
Sia,-In your edition of May 13 you gave considerable prominence to some statements on the right order in industry, with
special reference to excessive
nationalisation, made by the Pope to a number of business-men whom he received in audience. I have been comparing the Pope's statement with the Conservative Industrial Charter, and I have found not only a striking consonance of general principle, but, in several places, an equally remarkable similarity of expression. Perhaps you will allow me to quote it few passages: The POPE'S STATEMENT: " We referred just now to the wocks of those who take part in industrial production. Erroneous and baneful in Its consequence is the misconception, unfortunately very widespread, which sees in them an invincible opposition of divergent interests. The opposition is only apparent. In the economic domain there is common activity and interest between the employers and the workers. Not to see this reciprocal bond, to attempt to break it, cannot hut be the result of blind and unreasonable despotism."
CONSERVArVE ' INDUSTRIAL CHARTF.R : " Our policy is to humanise, not to nationalise. We do not agree with any view of industry which divides those engaged in it into ' sides' with mutually opposed interests. If the sum of human welfare and happiness is to be increased in this country, it will be only through fostering a sense of united purpose among all those engaged In Industry whatever their position." (page 28.) THE MOWS STATFMENT: "There is no doubt that the Church, within certain just limits, admits nationalisation. . . . Rut to make of this nationalisation a normal rule of the public organisation of economy would be to reverse the order of things."
" The mission of public rights is in effect to serve private rights, not to absorb them."
CONSERVATIVE INDUS" R1AL CHARTER: " We are opposed to nationalisation as a principle upon which all industries should be organised,"
(page 24.)
" Our opponents . . . are leading us rapidly into the economy of the Socialist State where co-operation with independent industry will disappear as one undertaking after another is converted from partner with, to creature of the government." (page 10.) Comparisons of this kind are apt to be misunderstood. I am not claiming that the Conservative Industrial Charter is based upon papal teaching; still less am I trying to suggest that the Pope is in any way indebted to the Industrial Charter! On the other hand, I feel that my fellow Catholics are quite insufficiently aware of the existence of this statement of Conservative industrial policy, and of the very distinct family likeness which it exhibits. in many respects. to the great Social Encyclicals.
T. F. LINDSAY.
Conservative Central Office, Abbey House, 2/8 Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W.I.