Conscientious Objectors in England

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 305, 27 December 1939, Page 7

Conscientious Objectors in England

REASONS FOR NOT FIGHTING A decision to keep secret the names of conscientious objectors appearing at the lirst sitting of the London divisional tribunal at West London County Court was later reversed. Tho names were given to the press. At the opening of the tribunal, which heard 14 cases, Judge Hargreaves, presiding, stated that a majority of the tribunal had decided that the names of applicants should not bo disclosed. Ho would inquire as to what was done by other tribunals, and if the press applied for names at a future meeting tho matter might be reconsidered. Later he announced that the press could have the names of applicants. »o have considered the question,” he added, “and have come to the conclusion that there is no power to stop publicity." 1 R. 8. Ashpole, a carpenter, of Clarence Road, Wood Green, said he objected to all forms of military training as he was a, working man and had nothing to fight for." His father, he said, was a conscientious objector in 1914-18. R. C. li. Clarke, a furniture polisher of Onslow Hoad, West Croydon, stated that he had formerly been a champion weight-lifter. Ho said ho might be prepared to go into the ambulance service, provided he was not sent overseas. Lionel La2arus, a canteen assistant, of Burgoync Koad, Harringay, said that he was born in Calcutta, educated in the Malay States, and came here two years ago. He added: “I have no country and no home, r see no reason why I should light for this country or any other.” J

Reginald Cuthbertson, of Canterbury Road, Morden, in support of his application, produced a cartoon published at the time of the signing of the Versailles Treaty. It depicted If. Clemencean, Mr. Lloyd George and President Wilson with a year-old child marked 4940 class, and the caption read: “The Tiger: Curious, I seem to hear a child weeping.” In his application Cuthbertson had said that he was having St. John Ambulance training and was willing to give his service in the R.A.M.C. Ho now stated that he was unwilling to serve in the R.A.M.C., as he did not see why

he should have to assist anyone who was injured in the field to go back to the slaughter again. The applicants were told that they would be notified of the tribunal's decision.