THE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8346, 5 February 1913, Page 6

THE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

The offer by the Hon. James Allen to Groat Britain of an expeditionary force of eight thousand men for service in any part of the Empire has not been explained away. The Hon. W. F. Alassey, the squatters’ organ, and the independent evening journal unite in agreeing with each other that what -Mr Allen really meant was that he hoped that when an emergency arose, as it did in connection with the Boer war, eight thousand men from Now Zealand would be found offering their services to the Mother Country. However, there is a wide difference between what the press cable alleges Mr Allen said and what his Ministerial head and followers in Wellington believe he said. It is not even attempted to explain why tho “Pall Mall Gazette” accepted Air Allen’s offer as a further proof of the patriotism of New Zealand. If Air Alien merely expressed a hope, as we are assured he must have done, that conveys no “proof” of patriotism. Indeed, the record of what was done twelve or thirteen years ago is a better proof of patriotism, and a stronger assurance of future co-operatiou, than could possibly be furnished by any hopes expressed by the Hon. James Allen to a press interviewer. The only evidence to hand, insufficient in itself, points plainly to the conclusion that Mr Allen has made tho offer seriously. Fortunately, it is made only in tho columns of a newspaper, and has not been communicated officially, for which measure of consideration wo are probably indebted more to circumstances than to Air Allen's discretion. Meanwhile, the announcement has, as wo expected, excited alarm and strong dis approval throughout the country. Tho “Otago Daily Times,” a staunch supporter of “Reform,” strongly empha sises tho fact that Mr Allen had no authority to pledge the country, to send men for foreign service, and more especially so in view of the assurance that was given that the territorials would be employed only for home defence. This point, at the present moment of uncertainty, cannot bo too strongly impressed on the Government. Indeed, the whole structure and success of our defence scheme depends upon an honourable observance of our undertaking with the men who are being trained. If tho Mother Country is ever in need of men from New Zealand, they will be voluntarily forthcoming at the call, just as they were in the days of the Boer war. Bnt the manhood of New Zealand, no matter how loyal, will not be content to be compulsorily pressed into foreign service at the dictation of the Hon. James Allen or any other politician seeking limelight and distinction in the Old Country.