COMMUNISM AND DEFENCE

Chronicle (Levin), 9 October 1948, Page 4

COMMUNISM AND DEFENCE

Government Charged With Procrqstinatiqn

• ■WELLINGTON, Oct. 8, "Compulsory milita'ry training W.as essential in New Zealand if thp Dpminipn was to achieve its . requisite strength and a state of preparedne^§, " says the AYellington Qhamber of Commerce in a Statement today.. The Minister of Defence had "already indipated that he was eonvinced that compulsory military seryiee was recessary and from the reported',J- • remarks of the Brime Minister it was elear he was of the same • ' ' Surely if the two ^Ministers j3]-incipally concerned pre oi pne rmnd 6n this matter the Gpyernraent should be able to reach a deoisipn and sjiow the qualities of leadership which are expected of .it,' the statement continued. ./'Instead there is procrastination and talk of a referendum at a time when we faee a critical phase in world affairs. It looks as if the Government is gambling with national seeurity in order tp retain a few votes." . The Communists.were trying to keep the country defenceless by using the trade unjon movement to foster their aims and also by using "a few easily-led students." "Was it the aim of those militants to disrupt the economy of the country by encouraging wide- . sp^ead . indiistrial anarchy, the statement asked. The need for preparedness to discourage aggressionrminded nations or to meet a state of actual war was the paramount cQnsideration and it was the Government 's respqnsihility to act promptly and hrmly.