DEFENCE OF LIBERTY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 January 1939, Page 6

DEFENCE OF LIBERTY

NATIONAL SERVICE CALL IN BRITAIN PREMIER INAUGURATES CAMPAIGN. CONFIDENT ANTICIPATION OF RESPONSE. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. (Received This Day, 12.45 p.m.) LONDON, January 23. Mr Chamberlain at the inaugurating of the National Service Campaign, said: “It is a scheme to make us ready for war. That does not mean that I think war is coming. You know al have done all I can to preserve peace for ourselves and others. We would never begin a war, but might be forced to participate in a war begun by others, or we might be attacked if the Government of another country thought we could not defend ourselves. Therefore the better we are prepared the less likely it is that any aggressor will try an adventure in which the chances of success would be so unpromising.

“The development of air force has deprived Britain of its old island security. Civilians might be the first victims of attack. The necessary organisation for their protection must be made in peace time? Moreover, we must train in peace time, for there will be no time to train after war starts. Therefore the scheme is merely common prudence.” Mr Chamberlain asked ail who were ready to volunteer and who were not already engaged in work essential to the country's security to choose some form of service outside them ordinary work.

In concluding?.-., the Prime Minister said: “There are some who believe a compulsory scheme would be more effective, but compulsion is not in accordance' with the democratic system under which we live, or consistent with the tradition of freedom we have always striven to maintain. We are confident that we shall get all the volunteers required without recourse to compulsion. It is for you to show the world what a free people is prepared to do in defence of its liberties and ideals, and I am confident the call will bring the response for which I as.