A common thesis of those who have studied the Japanese people at first hand is that they are, more than most, civilized or semi-civilized people of this world, fatalists. They confront death with an indifference which is a little startling to Occidentals. Their attitude is part of their religion, though it stems, in part, at least, from the uncertainty in which most Japanese spend their lives. Limited subsistence and great natural catastrophes, not to mention an autocratic and tyrannical government, give force to the religious tenet that death, if not completely welcomed, is at least to be regarded with indifference.

Is this attitude an advantage in war-time? Does it make the Japanese people so much more difficult to conquer? Such questions cannot be answered easily. At first sight it may seem that fatalism ought to be an advantage to the soldier. Yet Genghis Khan, perhaps the greatest conqueror who ever lived, did not think so. He was merciless, cruel and destructive. But he was by no means a fatalist. Nor did he want his soldiers to be. One of his strictest rules was that a wounded comrade should be helped by his brothers in the Mongolian army, the penalty for violation being death. One of the great foundations for the unparalleled sprit of the Mongolian troops was their knowledge that their commander would not waste their lives unnecessarily, that they would be given every chance to live and reap the fruits of their conquests. Genghis Khan left fatalism to his opponents, especially to the Moslems, whom he slaughtered in unnumbered thousands.

The secret of Genghis Khan's conquests over forces often outnumbering his own were discipline, organization and speed. In the words of a Confederate general, Forrest, we believe, he "got there fustest with the mostest men", and those men were trained and equipped to the limit. That is also the secret of modern warfare. Fatalism is no help. Wars are not won by men who want to lie down and die. Given equipment, training and sufficient numbers, wars are won by men who want to stand up and live their lives in freedom and are willing to risk life itself to do so.

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Modernized fishing kits that many mean life or death to Navy men forced down at sea are to become standard equipment of Navy lifeboats, life rafts, and other lifesaving vessels according to the Bureau of Navy Personnel Information Bulletin.

In addition to equipment, these kits will contain a water-proof copy of fishing instructions prepared by four experts especially for inclusion in these war-time life savers.

Subjects dealt with include such vital information as Fishing Tackle and How to Use it; Fishing with a Light; Poisonous fish; how to Dry Fish; and Plants and Fruit that can be safely eaten.

The fishing gear and instructions are expected to save many lives that might otherwise be lost.

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