CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 103, 24 January 1918, Page 5

CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS

THE MEN SENT HOME. A statement was made yesterday by the Minister of Defence regarding the conscientious objectors who were shipped with reinforcements from this country. The important part of the statement is that all except two of tho men have at last consented to do duty. Tho Minister said: "There wore fourteen men who were sent Home like all other troops are sent. Thie is a summary of the position with regard to these fourteen so-called conscientious, objectors:—Men alleging religious ob5; men alleging hardship or public interest, 5; men who did not appeal at all, 4. In tho caso of one objector, whose case has been brought specially under ray notice, tho man did not appeal on account of conscientious or religious objections. Ho appealed on account of public interest and hardship, and his appeal was dismissed. "The men who were sent Home absolutely refused to obey orders during tho voyage. On arrival in England they were dealt with exactly ae other soldiers. "The report that I received from General Richardson was to the effect that they do not belong to a religious sect which objects to bearing arms; that they were not privileged to receive special consideration; that they were medically fit, and capablo of undergoing training. The latest information is that all the conscientious objectors eeiit to England except two have agreed to do duty either in the infantry or as stretcher-bearers. In addition to the two conscientious objectors just mentioned, there were three others who have been treated like any other soldiers, and have had to be tried by court-martial in France on a charge of disobedience to orders. Thn Court found them guilty, and condemned them to five years' penal servitude. General Godley, however, lias commuted the sentenco to two years''hard labour."

The Minister said that what they do in England is that nil objectors, whether on conscientious, personal safety, or other grounds, arr» posted to a noncombatant corps. If they still obioct to do tho duty given them in thnt oorps. they are eourt-martialtal and pent to nrison nt Wormwold Sorubhs. On completion of their term of imprisonment they are transferred to Dartmoor Prison, which is a depot for such eases, and where there aro 1200 collected."