MOBILISING YOUTHS

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVI, Issue 8, 9 July 1943, Page 4

MOBILISING YOUTHS

Sir,—ln the announcement of a reorganisation of the Armed Forces, it was stated that, youths reaching the age of twenty, were to become liable for full-time home service. At present a feeling of injustice as felt by many youths who have been retained in camp since the age of 18 and have not had the opportunity of returning to their studies or occupations as promised by the Prime-Minister in March last. Many of these youths have been in training for eighteen months and longer, and it seems unfair that they should still be retained for the duration of the war. On the other hand some boys have-availed themselves of the opportunity of being released from camp and, have returned to their former occupation and studies only to find that within a few months, and in some instances weeks, they may have to return to camp on reaching the age of twenty years. If the assumption that these fully trained youths are to return to camp is correct, it is unfair that some indication of the short period of release should not hsve been given before much expense in reclothing was incurred, and studies will be interrupted and possibly stopped once again. In fairness to the boys who have done, say, a year's training or more, the change over to civil life was not justifiable unless released for at least a year. , Would it not be possible to allow all these trained lads to return' to civilian life until reaching the age of 20 years 9 months and replace them with those who ha\ re not yet done service? Many parents feel their sons' lives and career have been definitely disrupted, and would appreciate a clarification of the whole position.—l am, etc.,

JUSTICE,