DEFEND AND PRESERVE US

Many a student organization would have died on its feet with as lame an opening meeting as the one held last night by the American Student Defense League, Harvard Chapter. But this League will not die soon, for it is undeniably riding the crest of a great wave of U. S. public opinion. It will last and probably grow, until no one will think any longer to ask the bothersome question, "What place is there for this group here?" Now, if ever, is the time to ask it, to inquire whether the League really seeks the utmost efficiency in defense, while still clinging to its stated "purpose of peace."

The League has called for student participation in building a strong Army, apparently through some sort of extra-curricular military training. Perhaps it envisions another Harvard Regiment. It speaks of asking the War Department for "cooperation." Does it recognize the changed demands of modern mechanized armies, or is it asking, as a group of university-trained men, for special favors?

The League proposes to hold forums on the war, debates and speeches by men of differing views. At Harvard there has never been, and is not now, any lack of honest and penetrating discussion of this subject. Does the League feel that none of this quite serves its own purpose? The organizers of the League were anxious to avoid being branded at the start as a war group. This may remain their intention, but the League as a whole lost a good chance when it shouted down a resolution in favor of keeping American forces in this hemisphere.

The League, making no pretense of being representative of all Harvard, avows its status as a pressure group. It has not yet made clear just where and how it will put on the pressure, but so far it gives little or no evidence of adding any weight to the side of constructive preparedness and peace.