CONSCRIPTION NOT THE SOLUTION

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 155, 27 March 1939, Page 9

CONSCRIPTION NOT THE SOLUTION

Menace To Britain From Dictators

SPIRIT OF VOLUNTARY SERVICE NEEDED

By Telegraph.—Press Assn. —Copyright. LONDON, March 24.

“There is widespread agitation to introduce conscription,” declared the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. C. R. Attlee, in a public speech today, “but it is clear from Ministers’ statements that they have no plans, in the event of conscription, for utilizing the services of the masses.

“We arc facing danger on an organized basis from the totalitarian States who refuse individual liberty and regiment the community. We will not defeat the menace by adopting their methods. We must develop to the utmost the spirit of voluntary service.” He added that the policy of unilateral appeasement had been proved not only to be wrong but futile. It had brought Britain to the danger of war and weakened democracy throughout the world. Mr. Attlee advocated a world conference to deal with the fundamental causes of war.

REPORTED CABINET SPLIT

Move For Conscription

In Britain (Received March 26, 11.30 p.m.) LONDON, March 26. The French Press confidently asserts that Mr. Chamberlain gave M. Bonnet, French Foreign Minister, definitely to understand that some form of conscription would be introduced in Britain soon. Official quarters in Whitehall are reticent, but a section of the British Sunday Press asserts that the Cabinet is split from top to bottom on the question. Sir John Simon, Home Secretary, is stated to be leading the opposition to the proposal, which is backed by Lord Chatfield, Defence Minister, Sir Kingsley Wood, Air Minister, and Mr. Hore-Belisha, War Minister.