FUTURE OF C2 MEN

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16216, 20 May 1918, Page 6

FUTURE OF C 2 MEN

DEFENCE MINISTER'S

STATEMENT,

Replying to a question last week regarding the position of men of the Second Division classed as 02, tho Minister of Defence, Sir James Allen, 'said there was no intention of a medical re-examination at present. The statement to that effect was made and intended to apply at this stage of the war, but it was impossible to say, as tho war continued, what would have to be done. He could not bind himself as Minister of Defence or. tho Government with regard to the xiltimate future.

Tho Minister explained that the war was a fight to a finish with Germany, and victory for the British Empire might require eventually all available resources of man-power and material. The safeguarding of the State might need for actito service men who were not within the Ixwnds of the present needs. The Empire had to fight on and on (o the best of its ability, with whatever strength would be available. Therefore it was impossible to-day to postulate a rigid rule which might mean practically a total exemption for men who were temporarily unfit for active service according to the present standards of examination.