M.P.’s Objection to Conscription

Grey River Argus, 12 October 1948, Page 7

M.P.’s Objection to Conscription

LONDON, Oct. 10 The Labour member of the House of Commons for Gateshead, Mr K. Zilliacus, told his constituents why, in March, 1947, he voted against the Conscription Bill. ■ He said it was not on pacifist grounds, because he fought in the First World War and was a Home Guardsman in the second, but because he objected in principle to calling up young men for which he would refuse to light if he were of military age. “For the same reason, I will 'not to-day take part’ in the campaign to urge young men to volunteer lor the armed forces,” he declared. “X know the full gravity of the responsibility 1 incur in adopting an attitude of opposition to our war preparations, but 1 have thought the matter out and 1 think it is my duty to take this stand openly.”