TRAITORS IN DOMINION

Evening Star, Issue 23701, 8 October 1940, Page 8

TRAITORS IN DOMINION

< Circular to Men Called Up ALARMING EVIDENCE OF “FIFTH COLUMN” [Per United Press Association.] CHRISTCHURCH, October 7. Almost every man whose name appeared last week in the lists of those called for Territorial service received this morning a circular from some unknown source calling on him to refuse military duty. The documents consisted of a cyclostyled foolscap sheet, which bore no signature or other indication of origin, and were contained in envelopes which gave no clue. The circulars were distributed practically throughout New Zealand. It is understood that Canterbury was well covered. In Christchurch the circulars were delivered to addresses contained in the published lists of men called up. Delivery was apparently made between 10 o’clock on Sunday evening and 0.30 a.m. to-day, some to private addresses and some to business addresses. Many were thrust under doors. Timaru residents received theirs through the post in envelopes bearing an Ashburton postmark and dated Sunday.

FOUL AND TREACHEROUS That the distribution was so general shows that the organisation responsible is widespread and well organised. The document was undated and bears no indication of the iperson or body responsible. It carries no superscription or imprint. It starts; “Dear Fellow Citizen,” and follows with a statement in capital letters,You have been conscripted for military service.” Then follows an exhortation to all who were called up to refuse military duty. The mayor, Mr R. M. Macfarlane, M.P., described the statement as treason, and announced to a meeting of patriotic bodies to-day that he had sent a telegram to the Prime Minister, Mr Fraser, drawing his attention to it. The matter has also been referred to the police. The Minister of Supply, Mr Sullivan, to whose attention the circular was drawn, said that he was gravely concerned that such a. document should have been distributed. “ It is a foul and treacherous document and the most treasonable I have ever read,” said the Minister of National Service, Mr Semple. “ In view of the fact that it was addressed to men who have been called up for Territorial service, that is, for home defence, if is clear that the people who issued it are members of the “ fifth column ” and uncompromising enemies of New Zealand, who would surrender New Zealand to a foreign foe at no matter what cost to their country.” Mr Semple said that the wide distribution of the document proved that there was a large organisation. The dissemination of it and other such letters showed that the “ fifth column ” in New Zealand was far larger than most people imagined, “ The document proves conclusively a statement that I have made many times, and have been taken to task for making, and that is that there is a ‘ fifth column in this country,” the Minister said. “ The Territorials have been called up so that they can train to defend New Zealand against any invasion and thus protect the homes and lives of the people of this country and, above all, protect the heritage of the rising generation. The sooner these people are cleaned up and get what is coming to them the better. If these cowards who are prepared to surrender their country to a foreign Power were to make a statement of that kind in some countries they would be shot on sight without trial. There is a great difference between honest differences of opinion and organised treachery which would lead to the betrayal of decent people, who only want

to lead their own lives and carve out their own destinies. “ I am amazed and shocked,” Mr Semple added, “ to think that there is anyone in New Zealand so mean and contemptible as to issue this threat against the people and the liberties they enjoy. I know what I would do with such creatures if I had my way. They are traitors of the worst type.” Superintendent S. Rawle. of the Christchurch Police, who showed himself to be acquainted with the circular and its contents, said that he could make no comment on the position. DUNEDIH FREE NO CIRCULARS HERE YET So far the roots of this subversive cancer have not spread this far south, and exhaustive inquiries this morning drew an all-round blank. . The Army Department instituted inquiries as soon as the state of affairs in Christchurch was known, but there seemed to be no doubt that none of the Dunedin men called up in the ballot had received a circular. The Police Department, interviewed, had no comment to make. It had been thought likely that copies of the circular may have arrived by the express last night and been delivered to the balloted men this morning. Further inquiries made early this afternoon indicated this was not the case, so in the meantime Dunedin can be regarded as free of contamination. A delivery of Christchurch mail, which arrived by night goods train this morning. would be made during the course of the afternoon, and the possibility of the communications being among that cannot be overlooked. Several balloted men spoken to left no doubt as to the summary treatment the circulars would receive should they come to hand, and no sympathy with the intent of the message was expressed. WHAT PRICE SABOTEURS ? [Special to the • Star.’] WELLINGTON, October 8. What steps have been taken by the Government to protect freezing works from sabotage and attacks by “fifth columnists”? In a question by Mr Burnett to the Prime Minister in the House to-day Mr Burnett stated he understood a conference was held some months ago to discuss this problem, but the South Canterbury worlis remain unguarded.