CALL FOR COURAGE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 19987, 12 July 1939, Page 5

CALL FOR COURAGE

N.Z. DEFENCE POLICY

UNIVERSAL TRAINING MR. DOIDGE’S CRITICISM MR.JORDAN AND GENEVA (Fart iument ary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, this day. With refreshing originality of phrase, the new member for Tauranga, Mr. F. W. Doidge, spoke in favour of the Opposition noconfidence motion in the House of Representatives last evening and ventured to give advice to the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage, not only to show courage regarding defence, but to, restrict the activities of the High Commissioner, Mr. W. .). Jordan, to his job in promoting trade and not meddling in foreign polities.

A stirring appeal for volunteers had been made toy the Prime Minister, said Mr. Doidge, and the attempt was a failure. Why did he not adopi the same bold course as Britain, where they had thrown tradition aside, called on young men of 20 and 2! to serve their country by undergoing training on democratic lines, all classes going into camp together? “If the Prime Minister,” he continued, “had the courage to decide on a policy of universal training—” Mr. Speaker intervened, stating that the member could not attribute co another a lack of courage.

Mr. Doidge: No, sir. But I would like to help his courage. (Laughter).

Adequate Training

He stressed the great importance of adequate military training without which the strongest of men were helpless against efficient soldiers. It would be cruel to send them into a conflict with no knowledge of the use of the implements of war. Attached to the question of defence, was that of .foreign policy. He considered it was time the Prime Minister -suggested to New Zealand's High Commissioner that he should stay away from Geneva. “More than once," lie continued, “Mr. Jordan dropped a brick there. He was the catspaw of Russia when he dropped the brick on Italy, and one London newspaper published a two-coloumn article to show how Mr. Jordan was the laughing-stock of Geneva.

“He is liked there, but his job is not at Geneva. He knows nothing about foreign politics. He is not trained in diplomacy. He knows nothing about the intrigues of Europe.” The Hon. H. T. Armstrong, Minister of Housing: We should send you. Mr. Doidge: To send Mr. Jordan to Geneva—that .scene of intrigue and double crossing, is like throwing cat’s meat to a tiger. The Government should say to him: “We have sent you Home to be our chief salesman in that market. Keep to your job.”