Murder of Mr Ross McWhirter
The death of Mr Ross McWhirter at the hands of two assassins is a blow to the cause of justice and decency in our land on the side of which he so strenuously fought. If it is eventually proved that the IRA were responsible for this vile deed, it will demonstrate once more how utterly degraded in outlook that organisation is and how ruthless in liquidating any person who may challenge them. How blind are these infatuated killers to their own ultimate doom. God has already written the epitaph on their graves: “They that take the sword shall perish by the sword.” The sympathy of the nation goes out to Mrs McWhirter on the death of her husband. He died defending the liberties of this nation, liberties which have been dearly bought.
Possible Rhodesian Settlement
The prospect of a Rhodesian settlement appears brighter after talks between Mr Ian Smith, the Prime Minister of Rhodesia, and Mr Joshua Nkomo, the leader of the more moderate wing of the African National Council. It was hoped that a new Constitutional Conference would be held in December. It will be very encouraging indeed if there is a successful outcome to that conference. We would value a settlement that would ensure the continuance of missionary work in that land.
The Home Secretary and the Death Penalty
The spilling over of Irish terrorist activities into this country has renewed the call for the restoration of the death penalty for terrorists. The Home Secretary as before continues to reject this as a solution to the present spate of violence. It may well be that the Home Secretary may yet have to bow to the will of the House of Commons if the attitude of Members of Parliament on this issue changes. This might lead to the Home Secretary’s resignation but this would be no great loss as he has consistently taken a weak line on the punishment of crime.