THE DEFENCE QUESTION.

Press, Volume LVI, Issue 16803, 8 April 1920, Page 2

THE DEFENCE QUESTION.

NATIONAL D3?EXCE LEAGUE formed. (XSOir X COBBE3POKDEST-1 "WELLINGTON, April 6. It is officially announced that at a well-attended meeting held in fellington some days ago. it was decided to reestablish the National Defence League of New Zealand, v.'lnch ceased to exis. on the introduction of compulsory defensive training eight years ago, and to place the League on a permanent footing with a view 10 educating the people of the country on the necessity for maintaining a sound system of defence. The objects of the League are set out in the constitution and rules, copies ot which are now available. In the*constitution it is provided:— The National Detence League of New Zealand shall be non-party political, except in so far as it will oppose any political pnrtv which aims at the weakening of the National Defence Forces of New°Zealand, would dispense with , the compulsory training or x\ould m any way 'impair the efficiency of our Defence' Forces. . No professionally paid soldier in the j emplov of the Dcfence Department or any other professionally paid member of W Majesty'* Naval. Military, or Air Services can he, under any circumstances whatever, an ofßcei of the League or any of its branches, and the same shall apply regarding any shareholder in any ammunition manufacturing companv, and its officials. The League shall not, under any circumstances whatever, interfere directly or indirectlv with any industrial dispute. j Tho specific objects of the League are j given as under: — : To maintain a White New Zealand; to secure the immunity of the country, from invasion; to educate the people of the countrv upon such measures of defence as may be considered necessaryIn the attainment of these objects the League specifically lavs it down as its policy that it is not desired to convert the manhood of this country into soldiers, but purely to ensure that every man who is callable of bearing arms is given sufficient military training to enable him to obey tho highest duty of citizenship bv being able adequately to assist to protect his country should the occasion arise. In other words, the platform of the League sots forth that the New Zenlamler is a citizen, and onlv becomes a soldier when he is required for the defence of his country. In order to attain its objects tho League pronosos to advocate: — fl) The maintenance of a universal defensive training system. (2) As far as practicable, the embodiments of the lessons of the late war in our universal defensive training systenl - . • , (3) The provision of sufficient guns, rifles, and equipment so that the New Zealand Citizen Army, on mobilisation for the defence of our own shores, will be able to take the field fully equipped, and will have sufficient spares for replacement. (4) Tho immediate consideration of providing machinery in this country for the adequate supply of shell and small arms ammunition; plants devoted to the manufacture of explosives and ammunition to be State-owned. (5) The strengthening of our coastal defences so that New Zealand shall have at least two safe hargours for tho protection of its shipping. _ . (6) The making of special provision for the training of Territorial officers and n.c.o.'s. . , (7) The acceptance of the principle that in future no one, except in the case of the public interest, can becoino a commissioned officer of the New Zealand Citizen Defence Forces unless lie has served three years in the ranks. (8) The removal of the control of the recruitment of Territorials, Senior Cadets, and of the Reserve from the Defence, authorities, and placing it m the hands of a civil department of the State. (9) The devotion of special attention to the moral training of the youth of/ this country, and their education in the ideals o'f good citizenship. (10) The strict suppression of all Dad language in camps, making its use punishable as in civilian life. The League insists that this evil must be put down with a strong hand, and demands that the Defence Department shall take practical steps to secure its eradication. (11) The taking of every possible precaution to preserve the health of boys while undergoing training in camp or elsewhere, with endeavours to improve the same under proper medical supervision; also educating trainees upon the observance of health principles during both civilian and military life. (12) The employment ol selected women to assist in cooking, ambulance work, and in all tho institutes in camp where they can he profitably and suitably employed. (13) The strengthening and encouragement of rifle clubs, sufficient assistance, in regard to the supply of and ammunition particularly, being" given to induce members of the N.Z.E.F. to join rifle clubs of their own volition, and thus enhance the value of the Reserve Force of NeAv Zealand. 1 (14) Any legitimate means for strengthening national defence. The constitution provides for the government of the League by a general council, and the establishment _of as many district councils and branches as it may be deemed desirable to form in the interests of the League. The League proposes to engage in a general educational campaign, mainly by the issue of literature, the holding of lectures, deputations to special bodies concerned, and by arousing tho intelligent patriotism of the - young. A Provisional General Council, which will manage the affairs of the League for the year 1920-21, lias been elected, with Major-Gone' - al Sir A. H. Russell, K.C.8., K.C.M.G., as president. i