CLEAR-CUT ISSUE.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16146, 26 February 1918, Page 6

CLEAR-CUT ISSUE.

TREATMENT OF ANTI-

MILITARISTS

STATEMENT BY DEFENCE

MINISTER

(press association telegram.)

WELLINGTON. February 25

In a statement given to the Press the Minister of Defence enters upon a lengthy vindication of the Department's treatment of anti-militarists. He corrects the impression which appears to bo general in the public mind that all objectors are "conscientious" objectors, and points out that the only objector recognised by the law is tho "religious objector," whoso appeal will be allowed if he can prove that on August 4th, 1914. ho was a member of a religious body whose doctrines declare that the bearing of arms and the performance of combatant service are contrary to Divine revelation.

After explaining and justifying the treatment of objectors sent abroad the Minister concludes as follows: —"The question of the treatment of anti-mili-tarists presents _ a clear-cut issue for the people of this country to consider— "(a) Whether the laws solemnly and deliberately enacted by Parliament are to bo objected to. or

"(b) Whether defiance of the law is to be pormitted, and thoso persons who know no rule but their own inclinations are to be practically exempt from mill tary service, while citizens, and sons of citizens, who recognise and obey the law, are to serve aild possibly suffer wounds and death in tho interests of the nation.

"The military authorities are responsible for administering the Military Service Act, and what they do must bo legally done. It is not conceivable that the people of this country would approve of the course of permitting persons who sot the law at defiance to bo absolved from the law, and be governed by their own inclinations. If the responsible authority is to knuckle under to insubordination tho whole fabric of the British Empire will crumble into chaos."