Australia’s Defence— LABOUR THREAT TO BLOCK CONSCRIPTION

Greymouth Evening Star, 29 September 1950, Page 5

Australia’s Defence — LABOUR THREAT TO BLOCK CONSCRIPTION

CANBERRA, This Day (Rec. 1 p.m.)—The announcement by the secretary of the Australian Labour Party, Mr P. J. Kennelly, that Labour will use its Senate majority to defeat any Government legislation authorising compulsory military training has caused a sharp reaction throughout LI st Tel 11 cl The acting Minister of Defence admits that if Labour opposes the legislation “it might knock the whole defence scheme over.” Leaders Non-Co-Operation The Leader of the Opposition, Mr J. B. Chifley, says that while he will not co-operate in the Government’s recruiting campaign he will not oppose it or instruct members of the Federal Parliamentary Labour Party to do so. According to the Minister, for the Army, Mr Francis, preparations are continuing for the scheme to begin on May 1, but the difficulty is that under the existing Defence Act the trainees are liable for only 16 days compulsory service whereas, the scheme calls for first-year training amounting to 98 days in the army, 124 days in the navy and 176 days in the air force. Overseas Service All men at present in the permanent forces or citizens’ military forces will be invited to serve overseas and to take a new oath of allegiance covering service anywhere in the world “to fight the King's enemies” on the issue The Labour Premiers of Queensland and Tasmania have ignored the Federal Labour stand and have pledged full support to the recruiting drive.