SERVICEMEN IN POLITICS

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23976, 17 June 1943, Page 4

SERVICEMEN IN POLITICS

PRESENCE AT ELECTION MEETINGS REGULATIONS MAY BE - RELAXED Some amendment to the regulations which at present prevent members of the armed forces from attending political meetings is expected to be made by the Government before the General Election campaign opens. Large numbers of soldiers, sailors, and airmen serving in the Dominion are eligible to vote this year, and already' there are a number of service candidates for various seats. The present regulations forbid members of the < forces to wear uniform when participating as private citizens in any demonstration or procession for sectarian, party, or political purposes. This means that they are unable to attend election meetings unless they commit a breach of discipline by wearing civilian clothes. The regulations were relaxed during the Christchurch East by-election, when members of the forces were allowed to attend political meetings, but not to take an active part in them. Members of the forces who wish to stand for Parliament must apply for leave without pay, and if this is granted they must wear mufti throughout their campaign. Already a number of officers and men serving in the forces have been selected as candidates. They include Lieutenant-Commander P. G. Connolly, D.S.C., who is the Labour Party candidate for Dunedin West, Lieutenant-Colonel W. H. Fortune, who will contest the Eden seat in the National Party’s interests, and Flight Lieutenant P. T. Curran, who is standing for Auckland West as a Demo* cratic-Soldier-Labour Party candidate.