FACE UP TO ISSUE, SAYS R.S.A.

Chronicle (Levin), 7 April 1948, Page 6

FACE UP TO ISSUE, SAYS R.S.A.

WELLINGTON, April 6. The N.Z.R.S.A. Dominion executive committee, at its meeting tonight, considered the statement of policy issued by the Government on the question oi "the future defence' of 'thes,co'untry and it v/as decided to issue the foilowing statement: — "The N.Z.R.S.A. regrets that the rnatter of compulsory universal military service has "been evaded. It is now and always has been the declared policy oi the N.Z.R.S.A. that such an important matter as the defence of onr country, should not "be left to the willing i'ew but that every man or woman of military age should bear his or her share of the "burden in a capacity in which hig or her serviees can be best utilised. "The N.Z.R.S.A. is aware that any scheme of compulsory military training will affect iu a small degree the labour position of the country hut it is also alive to the fact that the percentage involved is small and that it is a trifle against the necessity of providing adequate arme°d forces for the defence of the country. "With regard to the proposals as far as the Air Force and Navy are concerned, the N.Z.R.S.A. feels that an attempt has "been made to meet the need hut it holds grave douhts whether the Government will he ahle to implernent the scheme without some form of universal compulsory service. "The question of up-to-date training equipment is also not dealt with.in the Minister of Defence' s statement and the association would like to have an assurance that this point has not been overlooked. New Zealand would not be able to contribute her share to any Commonwealth defence scheme if her personnel were trained on obsolete equipment. "The proposals for the Army are considered hy the N.Z.R.S.A. to he entirely inadequate and the association reiterates its previously expressed convictioix that nothing short of some sort of compulsory universal training will give the results it is hoped to achieve in the Government 's present proposals. Even with the utmost expedition in rebu'dding'our defences, several years must eiapse heftre they will reach the very moderate strength at which the Government is aiming. Every month reduces the numher of returned servicemen who could he expected to assist in the training. "The N.Z.R.S.A. therefcre urges.the Goverarient to face up to the issue at once and declare its policy in regard to universal service." The Air Force Association and Home Servicomen's Association associate themselves with the above statement.