Group of former soldiers to defend ‘old values'

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33694, 18 November 1974, Page 2

Group of former soldiers to defend ‘old values '

fN.Z. Press Association) AUCKLAND, November 17. (l “We want to see the !l glory of the British!: Empire return stronger than ever. We’ve got the old spirit. The old 1 loyalties are still here. ' We’ve got to get back to those glorious old days of order and discipline.” These are the sentiments! which have inspired Major B. G. Wilcox, ex-commando, ex-! 19th Hyderabad Regiment. ex-Indian Parachute Regiment, ex-Royal West Kents, ex-King’s Africa Rifles, former commandant of Mau Mau detention camps, and former chief prison officer in Rhodesia to assist in setting up an organisation to protect: the “old values.” ‘Civil aid" ( He insists it would not be! really a para-military group’ but an organisation, primarily of former servicemen — “imperialists to the last man”). — to come to the aid of the civil power in a time of,i strife. But Major Wilcox, aged 54, who has been in New Zea-ii land 11 years, was vague about what sort of civil dis--I order would require thej' organisation’s aid, or what’ role it might play. i He said it would not be I armed and there would prob-: ably be no training “because i most will be ex-servicemen ! tfained in this sort of thing.”: •.“I’ve done it lots of times; in India in the Moslem-Hindu-riots,” said Major Wilcox,! who now lives in Mangere East. I

He attacked Communism. “That’s what we are really worried about. We’re afraid of Communism coming, : backed by the United Nations, , We are very anti-United Nations.” ’ He said he did not feel at, liberty to reveal the strength of those organising the group, : or divulge the name of “a ! retired very senior officer” ' they had in mind to lead them. A meeting would be held ’ very soon and the organisa-’ tion would be incorporated. “We’ve had a rush of people! from all walks of life, particularly ex-servicemen,”: Major Wilcox said. “We’vebeen in touch with develop-!, ments in Britain.” ‘Many others’ A volunteer force called Unison has been set up in Britain by a former Commander-in-Chief of Allied Forces in Northern Europe, General Sir Walter Walker. “We’ve been in touch with various ex-servicemen’s organisations in the United I Kingdom, Canada, South Africa. Australia, the Jerseys — organisations with the i same aims as us. “We are pro-Royalist, prothe British Empire of the old order — the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Rhodesia. Yes, Rhodesia and South Africa would came back into the glorious old Empire. “There are many officers who think the same way . . . and a lot of the public . . ~ the people who see the rifts taking place in the world,” said Major Wilcox. The West was in a state of decay which could easily lead to a third world war, he said. New Zealand had also

undergone a steady deterioration during the last 10 years. Describing himself as extreme Right-wing, Major Wilcox said many people in New Zealand were loyal to the Queen “and their backs are definitely up.” Mr R. G. Keen, aged 53, a former staff sergeant, of Manurewa. said the group would probably be operative within a month. A committee of 15 was working on a constitution for the group which Mr Keen said would not be military, but might be militant. ‘Culture neglected’ “We are not interested in having an armed force,” he said, “but we want to form a group interested in preserving our traditions and way of life.” New Zealand culture was being neglected, especially in the educational system, said Mr Keen. The group would be affiliated with other Commonwealth alliances—which Mr; Keen said meant the old white alliance. “We do not have anything against the black Common-

wealth countries,” he said, “but we are only interested in preserving our culture.” Strong reaction The Auckland Officers’ Club has taken a dim view of Major Wilcox’s remarks, and “completely dissociates itself” from his statements. The president (Captain G. P. Lawless) said: “Major Wilcox is not a member of the club and his remarks therefore cannot be thought to represent the views of the club or its members.” The leader of the Social Credit League (Mr B. C. Beetham) said that the move towards setting up a paramilitary force' was regrettable, and could be blamed on both the Labour and National parties. It could be blamed on the failure of the two parties to grapple with and calm economic forces which'were producing disruption. The same fault was producing an excuse for extremists to justify the taking of the law into their own hands, said Mr Beetham. LONDON REPORT, PAGE 15.