Communists Described As Traitors

Chronicle (Levin), 18 May 1949, Page 2

Communists Described As Traitors

TAURANGA, May 17. Communists, whom he described as rogues, dupes, traitors, either potential or intended, were strongly denounced by Sir Howard Kippenberger at a reception in his honour yesterday and at tlie annual reunion of the Westeru Bay of Plenty Returned Services Associa tion. The past 12 months made it quite clear that the Communists were hot entitled to consideration, added Sir Howard. They were not interested in the welfare of tlie country ainl took their orders from Moscow. Communists were not entitled to be members of an honourable organisation, and he hoped that next month would see them excluded from membership. It was not a question of a witch liunt, but one of basic principles. One Ccuumnuist, stated Sir Howard, told him that they would be in cliarge of New Zealand in 10 }^ears time. The Communists were the potential traitors they said they were. • Sir Howard expressed the hope that this year would see the reiiitroductiou of compulsory military service. He asked those opposed to compulsory military service to look around and see who were tlieir friends first. They were Communists, all cowrards, and those too selfish to give service to the countrv which belonged to them. He concluded": "See if you care to remain in their company. ' ;