POLICY OF R.S.A.

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22587, 16 March 1948, Page 6

POLICY OF R.S.A.

DECISION DEFERRED ATTITUDE TO COMMUNISM NOTICE OF MOTION TEXT Whether the Communist menace should be regarded as a matter of party politics, or as a force outside politips with which the New Zealand Returned Services’ Association can deal as a matter of national concern, was debated with consideraoie interest at a general meeting of the Gisborne R.S.A. held last evening. The association’s long - standing policy includes a definite dissociation from party politics. Last night’s issue was whether, in the light of that policy, a motion designed to debar Communists from membership of the organisation could be accepted for discussion at a later general meeting.

The text of the notice of motion under consideration was: “That this branch of the R.S.A. follow the example set by the returned men of Australia and bar or expel all Communists from our ranks.”

The motion was put forward by Mr. E. Brooks and seconded by Mr, G. E. V. Burns.

.After a general discussion on the policy of the association, the mover said he would leave the notice of motion to the discretion of the president, Mr. J. Leggat, and would take his decision on the matter.

Mr. Leggat said his decision would be guided by what he considered to be in the best interests of the association.