Soldiers and civilians in the First World War were told it was ‘the war to end all wars’ – soldiers and civilians believed it.
Over 102,000 New Zealanders served in that war, some 10% of the population. A greater proportion than any other nation. More than 18,500 were killed, many more wounded and disabled. Nearly every family was affected. The loss of so many of our best, brightest and most courageous young men from such a small population, must have impacted the fabric of the nation.
The nation has never really got over it. But on days like this we have taken some comfort in recalling the selfless devotion to duty of those young New Zealanders, as well as taking pride in their success on the battlefield. As the British war historian John Keegan wrote ‘The New Zealanders, with rifle and spade the best soldiers of the 20th century.’
We recall this not to glorify war, but to remind ourselves that our ancestors were special people. We are entitled to take pride in the honour they gave to our country.
We recall too their remarkable war effort on the homefront. During World War II in particular, thousands of women joining the workforce to take the place of the men fighting on the other side of the world. By the end of the war despite its enormous cost, New Zealand’s national debt in 1945 was lower than when the war began in 1939. So successful, that this tiny nation was not only a net donor of war aid to the United Kingdom - but also to the United States.
The immense sacrifices of war fostered in New Zealanders not only a deeper sense of their national identity but also to cherish the preciousness of peace.
In the years leading up to World War II as a member of the League of Nations, New Zealand often adopted positions independent of the great powers. Its diplomats openly challenged Great Britain and France especially, for their failure to strengthen the League and to stand up to the Fascist powers in Europe and Japan.
In the aftermath of World War II, as a result of New Zealand’s enhanced respect and prestige, it was invited by the allied powers to play a key role in the creation of the United Nations. The primary purpose of which, as set out in the U.N. Charter is to maintain international peace and security.
New Zealand’s tradition of independence can be recalled in the memories of many of us today. In 1973 the government sent a naval frigate to dramatically underline our opposition to France’s nuclear weapons testing in the Pacific. And again 11 years later upholding its nuclear-free policy New Zealand resisted considerable pressure from the United States for visits by nuclear-armed or powered war ships. And again in 2003 it refused to join the US-led ‘coalition of the willing’ in the unlawful invasion of Iraq.
Sadly in the current era, where international law seems to have been cast aide, and where might is treated as right, we see little evidence of moral leadership and independence coming from our government.
Rather the opposite, shameful silence in the face of flagrant abuse of the rules of war, as decreed in the Geneva and Haque Conventions and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.
The key common principle of these being the distinction between combatants and civilians. This is supported by the principle of proportionality of force. Of military necessity. Of avoidance of unnecessary suffering.
Today these rules are openly flouted. Especially so in Gaza. Over the last two and a half years, some 65,000 civilians have been killed there, including 21,289 children and 44,500 injured, along with attacks on hospitals, ambulances, medical workers and journalists. And the violations go on with cruel and reckless abandon – and in Lebanon and Iran, including the 120 schoolgirls killed in the city of Minab in the surprise attack by the US and Israel of February 28th.
Our ancestors proved that not only can a small nation wield influence far beyond its size in war - but also be a powerful moral force speaking out in the cause for international law and peace.
The responsibility we now carry as a nation is to honour their memory by finding the moral courage that they so manifestly possessed.
www.mikelee.co.nz
