DEFEATIST TACTICS

Grey River Argus, 15 March 1940, Page 8

DEFEATIST TACTICS

WHISPERING CAMPAIGN About N.Z. Troops m Egypt LIE NAILED BY MINISTER. [Per Press Association]. DUNEDIN, March 14. An emphatic denial of rumours that a high percentage of the men of the First Echelon are being returned to New Zealand as medically unfit, was given by the Minister of Defence, F. Jones, when discussing the health of the troops in an interview to-day. These statements that were being made were evidently part of a planned whispering campaign, Hon. Mr. Jones said, but, fortunately, it was possible to state, on the authority of Major-General Freyberg, that the troops in Egypt were in excellent health.

“Rumour-mongers are whispering that the number of men who are being returned to New Zealand as medically unfit, has reached alarmingly high figures,” the Minister said “and I, therefore, hasten to deny these statements, which seem to be circulated deliberately with the object of causing public concern. The individuals who spread rumours of this nature are beneath contempt, and I would ask the people of New Zealand, in all sinceritv, to decline to listen to any such statements, which, evidently, emanate as part of a planned whispering campaign.”

Mr. Jones said that he felt sure that the public would take a warning should any similarly-contemptible methods be used in future. In actual fact, the number of men invalided out of the First Echelon through sickness or normal causes was remarkably few, and he had been advised by the Director-General of Medical Services, Colonel F. T. Bowerbank. that the percentage of sickness was considerably below that normallv provided for in the Army, and, indeed, was also below the ratio operating in civil life. "In order to reassure the people of New Zealand concerning the health of their relatives and friends now in Egypt,” the Minister said “I cabled General Freyberg stating that the rumour I have mentioned was being circulated. His reply reads as follows: “Rumour absolutely without foundation. Health of troops excellent.”

“It is hoped,” Mr. Jbnes said, in conclusion, "that those responsible for originating and circulating the rumour will appreciate the fact that they fully deserve the contempt of every decent-minded citizen of this country.”

N.Z. LABOUR AND WAR Wellington Labour Council UPHOLDS FEDERATION. WEST COAST DELEGATE REPROVED. WELLINGTON, March 14. The “Standard” to-day records that the Wellington Trades and Labour Council, at its recent meeting, rejected by an overwhelming majority an amendment of no confidence in the National Council of the Fedreation of Labour, because of its attitude to the war, and also endorsed by 41 votes to 15 the Statement of War Policy issued by the joint conference of the National Council and the National Executive of the Labour Party. A report of the proceedings at the meeting, which was attended by seventy-six delegates, was supplied to “The Standard” by the president of the Trades’ Council, Mr. F. P. Walsh. Mr. Walsh reported on the meeting of the National Council held to consider a statement on war policy drawn up by the National Executive and explained, the clauses of the statement as finally approved by the council. The draft statement, he said, had been fully considered and adopted when Mr. J. Doyle asked if he could reserve the right to move an amendment to the statement at the proposed meeting with the National Executive of the Labour Party. The president replied, “That as the statement had been adopted unanimously by the Council, every member was bound to work for its adoption at the meeting with the New Zealand Labour Party. If then adopted, it will be the duty of all councillors to give effect to it.”

Mr. Walsh continued that Mr. Doyle presented a minority report at the joint meeting. Members of the Council appealed to him to withdraw the report, but he refused to retract and stated that he would do his best to have his resolution placed before an affiliation. A resolution was passed by the Council authorising the National Secretary to write to the Greymouth Trades’ Council describing the behaviour of Mr. Doyle, and asking that, in future, they send a delegate who will be loyal to the decisions of the National Council and the organisation generally. After Mr. Walsh had answered a number of questions it was moved by Mr. W. A. Hawton and seconded by Mr. K. H. Wolland, “That the report be adopted and the delegate thanked.” Mr. K. Baxter* moved an amendment. as follows: “That this Wellington Trades’ Council recommends its affiliations to give serious consideration to the document entitled “Statement of War Policy.” in order to instruct its delegates to conference, to come with a clear-cut opinion, on all events and circumstances surrounding the present war.” The amendment, which was seconded pro forma by Mr. A. E. Yarker. was ruled out of order by the chairman. Mr. Baxter challenged the chairman’s ruling, and after he had stated his objections and Mr. Walsh had stated his reasons for ruling out the amendment. r< vote was taken .and the chairman’s ruling was upheld. An amendment was then moved bv Mr. Galbraith, as follows: “That this Trades’ Council expresses

no confidence in the Federation of Lacour National Council as it has preyed by its ‘Statement of War Policy’ (in conjunction with representatives of the Labour Party) that it is constituting itself a pillar o£ decadent capitalism and betraying the woikers to fight against Socialism, W-r*° be Victims of an Imperialist -The amendment was seconded by Mr. A. E. Yarker and was accepted by the chairman. The chairman’s ruling was challenged by Mr. J. C. Scott, but was upheld by 41 votes to 23. Messrs E. E. Canham, A. Cook, W. Higgins and J. H. Collins supported .the motion for the adoption of the ci. airman’s report and Mr. K. Baxter supported the amendment. The discussion was brought to a Mose when a motion that the question, bo put was carried, the original motion fUen being carried by 41 votes to 15, - Ai.'iiM