WOMEN MUST SERVE

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 34, 3 November 1934, Page 7

WOMEN MUST SERVE

Polish Mobilisation Plan Warsaw, October 6. At the instance of the War Minister (Marshal Pilsudski) —the actual dictator of Poland —a Presidential decree has been issued, rendering women aged between 19 and 45 years liable for mobilisation in war-time for home defence, transport, Red Cross work, anil clerical service. Men of from 17 to 60 may be conscripted for auxiliary military service.

The decree, which will change the whole of Poland into a military trained camp, is due to a decision to base foreign policy on a powerful army instead of on peace treaties. It affects 10,000,000 men and women, • and enables Cabinet to mobilise a force, even in peace-time, in the event of internal disturbance calling on citizens to undergo military training at any time. Training last year included anti-gas and anti-aircraft defence, and sanitary aud hospital tuition. Failure to complr with the decree will be punishable by three months’ imprisonment and a fine of £lOO. Marshal Pilsudski now becomes a virtual military dictator, with almost limitless powers. It is expected that 500,000 . unemployed will be the first to be called up, and 200,000 high school students will become trainees before the normal time.

The conscription of the new force is Poland's reply to the German secret police and storm troops and the militarisation of tho general public in Russia. Poland is heading for arms parity with Russia.