GOVERNMENT URGED TO FACE UP TO DEFENCE QUESTIONS

Greymouth Evening Star, 7 April 1948, Page 8

GOVERNMENT URGED TO FACE UP TO DEFENCE QUESTIONS

(P.A.) WELLIGTON, April 6. The New Zealand Returned Services’ Association Dominion executive committee at a meeting tonight considered the statement of policy issued by the Government on the question of future defence of the country. It was decided to issue the following statement:— “The N.Z.R.S.A. regrets that the matter of compulsory universal military training has been evaded. It is now, and always has been, the policy of the N.Z.R.S.A. that such an important matter as the defence of our country should not be left to the willing few, but that every man or woman of military age should bear his or her share of the burden in a capacity in which his or her services can be best utilised. “The N.Z.R.S.A. is aware that any scheme of compulsory military training will affect in a small degree the labour position of the country. But it is also alive to the. fact that the percentage involved is small, and that it is a trifle against the necessity of providing adequate armed forces for the defence of the country. “With regard to the proposals as far as the Air Force and the Navy are concerned, the N.Z.R.S.A. feels that an attempt has been made to meet the need. It holds grave doubts whether the Government will be able to implement the scheme without some form of universal compulsory service. “The question of up-to-date training equipment is also not dealt with in the Minister of Defence’s statement. The association would like to ; have an assurance that that point has not been overlooked. New Zea- ’ land would not be able to contribute ' her share to any Commonwealth scheme if her personnel were trained on obsolete equipment. “The N.Z.R.S.A. therefore urges ' the Government to face up to the is- . sue at once and declare its policy in 1 regard to universal service.” 1 The Air Force Association and 5 Home Servicemen’s Asociation asso- S ciate themselves with the above J statement.