ANTI-MILITARISTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 10284, 20 May 1919, Page 5

ANTI-MILITARISTS

QUAKERS AND THE CABINET,

Jin appeal for the release of imprisoned conscientious objectors was recently made to the Government by the Auckland "meeting" of the Society of Friends (Quakers). The 'society, which had been invited to participate in Peace celebrations, pointed out the difficult position of its members. They would feel hypocritical in celebrating Peace at a time when, as they said, the spirit of Peace so little prevailed that a number of men, including some of their own members, were still in prison "for acting in accordance with deep moral or religious convictions," in refusing to submit to conscription. The appeal was addressed in an identical letter to the -Minister for Dofence, Sir James Allen, and the Minister for Justice, Hon. T. M. Wilford. The letter further stated: "Some of these men referred to are undergoing a second term of' imprisonment for what is virtually one offence. These men suffering for loyalty to what they believe to be the truth, and wo feel that it is a sorry and degrading position for such a country as this to be in, particularly at a time when citizens are being asked to celebrate Peace. We hold the firm conviction that . all these men who have undergone imprisonment without endeavouring to elude the authorities have every just claim to immediate consideration .with, regard to release, and "we wish now to urge that an end should be at once put to this persecution."

Mr "Wilford replied that he had referred the request for the release of imprisone'd Quakers to the Minister for Defence. The clerk of the -society then wrote pointing out that the appeal had been made not only for members of the society, but on behalf of all imprisoned conscientious objectors. Sir James Allen, in his reply, dated May sth, said:—"The names of certain bona fide religious objectors to military service have not been placed on the military defaulters' list, hut Cabinet, after careful consideration, decided that for the present it could not agree to thoir liberation from prison." The Minister further asserted that the Military Service Act had given Quakers "full relief from all military service," and pointed out that some members of the society had accepted the alternative service on tho State farm at Levin. Those who had refused this alternative service, he said, had "no one but themselves to blame for the consequences that followed." '

The Minister's view on this point was discussed by the society of/Friends in Auckland at their monthly meeting. It was decided to send a reply pointing out that several members of the society had considered tho alternative service an improper compromise, and that their view had been supported by the New Zealand conference of the society on tho following grounds: (1) That those accepting alternative service were required to sign an undertaking to render any service the military authorities might demand. (2) That the Government's offer of work on State farms was contained merely in a memorandum from the ral. This offer could bo revoked, or tho. regulations themselves could bo altered or cancelled by Ordcr-in-Council at any time, while tho objector would remain committed to his undertaking. It was pointed out that Mr Massey, in interpreting the Military ' Service Bill to Parliament, had stated that any who were granted exemption under the Act could be required to erect barbwire entanglements at the front. Tho New Zealand Conference had further complained that tho allowance made, unsatisfactory as it was to some members of the society, was granted only to Quakers and members of two other small sects, while others with equally conscientious convictions of the wrongfulness of warfare were given no consideration.

Tho clerk of the society is to represent these views to the Cabinet in a letter renewing the. appeal for the release of all conscientious objectors.