Minister Asks New Zealanders To See Britain Is Not Let Down

Chronicle (Levin), 21 July 1949, Page 2

Minister Asks New Zealanders To See Britain Is Not Let Down

"If Great Britain can provide a force of 793,000 and the U.S.A. 2,000,000 men for home service and for service anywhere in the world, is it fair for us to refuse to provide a land service in our own country. We know that you will see to it that Great Britain is not let down in case an emergency should arise." The Minister of Defence, Mr. Jones, made these comments when he addressed a public meeting in Otaki on Tqesday night on the need for compulsory military trajning in New Zealand and for an afhrmative vote at the coming referendum.

"The world is in a chaotic state," he declared, "and although an era of peace had been looked forward to, no peaee treaty had been signed and it was doubtful if one ever would be signed. The European situation is a danger that was realised. We have prepared plans to strengthen our defenc'e force and our task is to build up the territorial forces." Field Marshal Lord Montgomery had given his opinion, which was as follows: (1) Base all on the territorial forces; (2) recruit sufficient regulars to maintain this force; (3) the flow of men through the army must be sufficient for the force to be reasonably efficient; and (4) the scheme must be linked with the needs of industry. Russia's Power. The Minister drew attention to Ihe power attained by Russia, stating that she held command of seven stat'es and others had been taken over. The first thing that was wanted when possession was secured were 'two most important positions, those of the Minister of Defence and of the Minister of the Interior. This gave them the use of all the armed forces and of all the police. Thus they dominated the people. The rapid growth of Communism throughout the world saw 300,000,000 people controlled today. "Will they be satisfied or will they drive further south if they conquer China?" New Zealand wanted 1200 officers. There had been a splendid response from men who had returned after active service and a splendid force would be established. Further, 2000 n.c.o.'s were to be recruited next month. The intake of trainees would complete the territorial force. Field Marshal Montgomery had recommended the scheme now proposed, continued Mr. Jones. There had been many misleadfng statements circulated but the true facts were that When reaching the age of 18 boys would have to register and would then be taken into camp for 14 weeks. Any who were over 18 were outside the scheme. Choice Of Service. When a lad registered he would indicate which of the three services he would like to serve under. Some preference would doubtless be given to those who had served as sea cadets and in air training corps, . with ground staff trainees proba-bly going into an engineering establishment. The next step would be a'medical examination to ensure that recruits were medically fit. Right Of Appeal. "The right of appeal will be given to the boy and the employer," continued the Minister. "They will be able to go to the appeal board and state their case. Fourteen weeks is not a lot to ask, and afterwards two weeks for each of the next three years, with six weekends for equipment parades. After that recruits will be posted to the reserve with no more training for six years, unless there is an outbreak of war when, if over 21, they will be ealled up. Three camps, Papakura, Linton and Burnham, each to hold 14,400 will be used. The seasonal worker will be considered, and the first camp should be in May, 1950, and the second in January, 1951. When training is done transfer to the territorial force will follow." All sorts of wild statements have been circulated in an attempt to create a sense of fear, added the Minister. "The people of New Zealand are intelllgent enough to realise there will be no misdirection of workers or other citizens. The Communists opposed conscription in 1940 and suggested we should pull out of the war, but there was no talk of them objecting when Russia was attacked. They clamoured for the opening of a second front. They objected to conscription, but it is not objected to in Russia. Their objective is to see the defence forces of New Zealand weakened^ They enjoy the freedom of this fair land, but owe their aliegiance to another country. "In Great Britain and the U.S.A. Universal military training schemes are in operation, and men of 18 to 25 years are called up for 21 months and have the opportunity of giving selective service." The Minister paid tribute to the outstan'ding bravery and gallantry of the Maori Battalion. They had again responded, he said, and their young men would train under the scheme. Support Asked For. The Minister concluded by appealing to the womenfolk, who played so great a part in the last war, to give their sons a chance to be trained. They would be better for the companionship and the outdoor life, while the exercise

would be o'f great benefit. "Support . the Government, the people of New Zealand and. the Parliament. They want it on the Statute Book," he added. On the stage were the Mayor, Mr. C. F. Atmore, the president and vice-president of the Otaki Returned Services' Association, Messrs H. B. Edhouse and H. J. Jepson, Mr. J. J. Maher, M.P., and Mr. S. C. Bradley, deputy-president of the Wellington Returned Services' Association. In introducing the speakers, the Mayor said that he was especially glad to welcome the Minister. With all the experience whioh he had gained in the discharge of his high, office during' the war period, and with°all the latest information now at his disposal, the Minister's views on the subject should carry the greatest weight. In World War One conscription had been carried by Act of Parliament in 1916, when it became apparent that the voluntary system could not supply the necessary manpower, and again in World War Two similar legislative power was taken, this time by regulations under the Emergency Reguiations Act. Surely the decisions reached in those two great struggles should clearly show Which was the proper course. Proud To Help. Mr. Bradley said that as returned servicemen his organisation was proud to be able to help the Government in telling the people what compu'sory military training would do and where it would help. "We cannot afford a large standing army because we are short of manpower. Therefore, we have got to have another system in case of necessity and in case another nation turns covetous eyes on our country." Mr. Maher said that he was proud to be associated with the Minister in trying to- brifig^o^m^^tfi^ people the need to carry the referendum on military training. "We are here to bring home to you the true facts, and the importance of defenaing our country. Our police force is not aggressive, and military training will not teach our youth to become aggressors, but they will ' be ready if an aggressor should come this way," Mr. Maher added. Military training would improve the deportment, the discipline and the health of our youth, and they would take pride in their work. Mr. Maher concluded by stating that the words of the late Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage on conscription, spoken in 1939, were good enough today, just as they were in 1939. They were: "Where Britain goes, we go." Britain never had been the aggressor, the speaker continued, but had always been ready to defend herself and knock the aggressor down, "and then she lifts her enemy up and helps him reinstate 'himself." He expressed his willingness and that of his colieagues to do all in their power to assist the Government in carrying the referendum. A motion moved by Mr. Edhouse and seconded by Mr. Jepson, "that those present strongly support the military training scheme to be introduced," was carried unanimously. The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the Mayor for presiding. The attendance was not large and there were no questions. '