DEFENCE OF N.Z.

Press, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 25445, 17 March 1948, Page 3

DEFENCE OF N.Z.

» government asked to ACT POLICY OF ASSOCIATIONS OF FORMER SERVICEMEN WELLINGTON. March 16. s ? ew ■ Zealand Returned land Al- J ssociat ; on , ‘he New ZeaNo d v , F ° rce Association, and the so<-Taf,v,T land Home Servicemen’s AscomPletely united, in Xi worm present chaotic situation emm Jnt ! ln offe ring to the Government the strongest support in the th2 h rastlC action it may take for the defence of New Zealand,” says a nShi? ent , lssuad this evening. “The frem ! ie^ti° f natl ?nal- defence has been frequently considered by the Domin--1?" ex eeubve committee of all these and a associations in recent months I 1 stateme nt was prepared and Published some months ago. u (‘ ves these associations leei a decision can no longer be safely E?j£?°? ed - They call on the Government to announce its policy and to SE® pr 2£ pt action . to it jnto associations therefore Pledge their strongest support to the Government if it is prepared to implement the following basic formula: J- Government immediestablish compulsory universal St 1 ! service for young men from (say) the age of 18 years for a period sufficient to establish a reasonable standard of efficiency. “(2) This will necessitate the estab-' iishment of adequate naval, army, and air force training organisations. when called up, to be permitted as far as possible, to volunteer for the service and the arm of that se EYo\ e rJZ l w hi c h they desire to serve. _ That compulsory service include all men mentally and physically capable of some type of service. “(4) That men over the age group decided upon for compulsory training and women auxiliaries be accepted fois voluntary service in support of the objectives set out above. “(5) That the implementation of the provisions outlined in this resolution for the defence of New Zealand be treated as a matter of the greatest urgency.”