IDEAL THAT ARMY BE PART OF NATION.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 14, 17 January 1940, Page 7

IDEAL THAT ARMY BE PART OF NATION.

CAREER FOR ALL.

Mr. Hore-Belisha Says No Conflict Of Policy. ONE THOUGHT TO WIN WAR. United Press Association.— Copyright (Received 12.30 p.m.) LONDON, January 16. Mr. Hore-Belisha said he rose in accordance with custom to make a statement as a retiring Minister. "I would have preferred to say no more than has already been announced in the published correspondence and my message to tny constituents—that I have no other thought but to win the \vn r. '•During my two and a ralf busy and urgent years as Secretary of State for War the reorganisation and development of the Army was carried out with a degree of agreement that was in remarkable contrast to the stormy history of most reforms. I don't wish the recollections of that period to be marred by an atmosphere of bitterness and controversy. Dot Sole Inspiration. "Our achievement has lieen the result of common endeavour, and is not the sole inspiration or the exclusive realisation of any individual, particularly that part connected with the democratisation of the Army. '•There may be men under arms this year. I have always had the ideal that the Army should be part of the nation, not apart from the nation. (Labour cheers.) It should be a career every young man can enter, knowing he could rise by character and ability regardless of status or means. (Hear, hear.) "It did not occur to me to consider we were making the Army too democratic to fight for democracy." Period of Hard Work. Mr. Belisha added: "I look back on my close connection with the Army, on which I directed so much of my thought and goodwill, as a period of hard work and much happiness. "As far as I know there was no conflict of policy with any of my colleagues in the Government upon any Departmental or other point. There has been no lack of confidence, and we worked in one relationship or another for many years in a spirit of loyalty, as the Prime Minister testifies. "The J , rime Minister will recognise that I relied on his support in the task of preparing the Army for war, and I acknowledge that until last Thursday week it was readily forthcoming. "The Prime Minister is free to exercise impartial judgments and make appointments which may appear to him to be good. His reasons may or may not commend themselves. Offer to Successor. "I declined the Board of Trade appointment because I could not feel an assurance that the considerations which persuaded the Prime Minister to make the change would allow of my energetic discharge of my duties in the Board of Trade in the national interests." Mr. Hore-Belisha offered hie successor any help and counsel he could give as a private member. Raising his fist in a dramatic gesture, Mr. Hore-Belisha concluded: "War compels the unified, whole effort of a nation. We sliall all have to face the nation on a common level."