EARL HAIG’S SPEECH

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XLIII, Issue 9747, 13 December 1922, Page 5

EARL HAIG’S SPEECH

EX-SOLDIERS OVERSEAS. QUESTION OF IMMIGRATION. (Per Press Association, Copyright.) (Received This Day, 8.45 a.m.) LONDON, December 12. An official of the Officers’ Association interviewd by tile Australian Press Association with reference to Earl Haig’s speech, said though he could not make a statement officially on behalf of the association, he believed Earl Haig’s view was that there was nothing to withdraw. It was a mistake to infer from his speech that Earl Haig was opposed to the immigration of ex-service men. On the contrary, no man had worked harder for it. Earl Haig was a thorough believer in placing ex-service men in the dominions, provided they could find work, hut when he found emigration vyas not altogether successful, lie felt it his duty I to point out the dangers to ex-service j men in their own interest. Earl Haig did not believe his speech would damage emigration. It would certainly produce keener enquiries by ex-service men prior to embarkation, but this would be advantageous.- Besides, Earl Haig believed v that his comments at Manchester would tend to reduce the difficulties -which some ex-service men experienced in some dominions.