VOICE OF LABOUR

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 May 1939, Page 7

VOICE OF LABOUR

ON CONSCRIPTION ISSUE IN BRITAIN DECISION OF COMBINED EXECUTIVES. BILL TO BE OPPOSED. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, May 4. The joint meeting held yesterday of the three executives of the Labour Party lasted three hours and the following statement was issued:— “Having regard to the admitted success of voluntary recruiting boasted of by Ministers themselves, the economic and industrial considerations involved, the unreadiness of the Government in respect to equipment and the supply, the repeated pledges of the Prime Ministei- and his predecessor not to introduce conscription in time of peace and to the precipitant manner in which the measure was decided on and introduced to Parliament, the labour movement will, and must, oppose the Military Training Bill.” The statement outlines a number of considerations of policy which the Labour Party intends to bring to the attention of Parliament and the nation. These include, first, making a reality of the'Ministry of Supply for all purposes on a comprehensive basis and prevention of profiteering. Secondly, fundamental reforms in the appointment and promotion of officers in the armed forces. Thirdly, while maintaining all the essentials of discipline, establishing full facilities for promotion from the ranks. . Fourthly, safeguards against the use of armed ’forces in industrial disputes, further guarantees’ of employment for men called to the colours, and proper provision in respect to the dependants of conscripts. Fifthly, safeguards for conscientious objectors. EXEMPTION ASSURED. SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONALS.’ (Received This Day, 10.35 a.m.) CAPE TOWN, May 5. General Hertzog stated that the British Government had informed him that it was taking certain steps to ensure that no South African national would be liable for conscription in Britain. -