FIFTH COLUMN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24423, 8 October 1940, Page 6

FIFTH COLUMN

AN ACT OF TREASON CIRCULAR TO TERRITORIALS EXHORTED TO REFUSE SERVICE “A FOUL DOCUMENT" (Per United Press Association) • CHRISTCHURCH, Oct. 7. Almost every man whose name appeared last week in the lists of those called for territorial service received this morning a circular from, some un- , 1 known source calling on him to refuse military duty. The documents consisted of a cyclostyled foolscap sheet, -which bore no signature or other indication of origin, and were contained in envelopes which gave no clue. The circulars were distributed practically throughout New Zealand. It is understood that Canterhury was well covered. In Christchurch Ihe circulars were delivered to addresses contained in the published lists of men called up. Delivery was apparently made between 10 o’clock on Sunday evening and G. 30 a.m. to-day, some to private addresses and some to business. addresses. Many , .were thrust under doors. Timaru residents received theirs through the post in'envelopes bearing an Ashburton postmark and dated Sunday. 7-. Widespread Organisation That the distribution was so 1 general shows that, the organisation-re-sponsible is widespread and weli organised. The document was undated and bears no indication of the person or body responsible. It carries no superscription or imprint. It starts: “ Dear Fellow Citizen,” and follows with a statement, in capital letters, "You-have been conscripted for military service.” Then follows an exhortation to all who were called up to refuse military duty. The Mayor, Mr R. M. Macfarlane, M.P., described , the statement as treason, and announced to a meeting of patriotic bodies to-day that, he had sent a telegram to the. Prime Minister, Mr P. Fraser, drawing , his attention to it. The matter has also been referred to the police. The'Minister of Supply, Mr D. G. Sullivanto whose attention the circular was drawn, said that he Was gravely concerned that such a document should have been distributed.

“It is a foul and treacherous document and the most treasonable I have ever read,” said the Minister of National Service, Mr R. Semple. “In view of the fact that it was ad-, dressed to men who have been called up for territorial service, that is, for home defence, it is clear that the people who issued it. are members of the Fifth Column and uncompromising: enemies of New Zealand, who would surrender New Zealand to a;, foreign foe at no matter ' what cost to their country.”

Mr Semple said that the wide distribution of the document proved that there was a large organisation. The dissemination of it and other such letters showed that the Fifth Column in New Zealand was far larger than most people imagined.

V'.’ Existence of Fifth Column “The document proves conclus.ively a statement that I have, made many, times, and have been taken to task for making, and that is that there is a Fifth Column in this country,” the Minister said. ■ “ The Territorials have been called up so that they can train to defend New . Zealand against any invasion and thus protect the homes and lives of ■the people of this country and, above all, protect, the heritage of the rising generation. The sooner these people are cleaned up and get what is coming to them the better. If these cowards who are prepared to surrender their country to a foreignpower were to make a statement of that kind in some countries they would be shot on sight without trial. There is a great difference between honest differences of opinion and organised treachery which would lead to the betrayal of decent people, who only want to lead their own lives and carve out their own destinies. • Threat to People “ I am amazed and shocked,” Mr Semple added, “ to think that there is anyone in New Zealand so, mean and contemptible as to issue this threat against' the people and the liberties they enjoy. I know what I would do with such creatures if-1 had my way. They are traitors of the worst type.” Superintendent S. Rawle, of the Christchurch police, .who ...showed himself to be acquainted with the circular and its contents, said that he could make no comment on the position.