PRIME MINISTER ON DEFENCE.

Evening Star, Issue 23273, 23 May 1939, Page 5

PRIME MINISTER ON DEFENCE.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir.—it is to bo hoped that the members of the Now Zealand Defence League were amongst those who listened in to the Prime Minister s broadcast on the subject of defence of even date. If so, will they take note of his remarks in general and of certain passages in particular? -The Prime Minister assured his listeners that the Government is continuously in close touch with the Imperial Government, and consequently is fully aware of the best course to adopt in the matter of enlisting man power, more so than certain lesser organisations. He also made a direct appeal to the New Zealand Defence League to cease its activities and so avoid confusion. May I say that I served in the regular forces during two reign 3) those of our present King’s grandfather and his illustrious father, and have again offered my services? .Yet I have not yet discovered the necessity tor a select coterie to set themselves up to urge compulsion when it is against the desire and policy of the Government. It is strange, to say the least, that so far as the local branch is concerned the most prominent members arc definitely “ agin the Government.” It savours too much of political propaganda for my liking. I suggest that the league transfer its energies to some more useful sphere—for instance, the Territorial Association.—l am, etc., VOLUNTARY SERVICE. May 22.