NO MILITARIST.

Otaki Mail, 19 January 1920, Page 4

NO MILITARIST.

MONASH'S DISAVOWAL

General Sir .John ‘Monash draws n distinction between a soldier and a militarist (says a Melbourne paper).

In an interview lie stated: “1 have perceived with consternation that we soldiers returning from the war, and recommending the maintenance of an army, are immediately branded as militarists in certain quarters. Such an accusation is foolish. Xo one hates war more than soldiers, but 1 believe the only -way to prevent war is to make ourselves so formidable that no one dare attack us. c 1 The aerial arm. J am convinced, is going to plfty a big part in the future in military and naval circles, and also in commerce. I am proud of the magnificent nch.u-vcniVuit lately performed by Ross Smith and li.is Australian colleagues, and tender thorn my hearty congraula.t ions oh their successful flight across the world. Early in the war the value of the aerial arm was demonstrated by Australians, and their ready aptitude in tlie new art promises great things for the future.'* Regarding his own future movements. the famous soldier said that he intended in the lirst instance to take a much-needed rest. ‘‘As I taught my troops," ho said. ‘‘l will set the example. I do not consider my duty finished with the tiring of the last shot. We have," he said, “to become peaceful citizens again, and make as little demand as possible on the country in 1 doing so. If I sun needed iu a national sphere I am willing to place myself at the service of the country; otherwise I am prepared to ref urn io my former profession of engineering."