R.S.A. ADVOCACY OF N.Z. LEGISLATION AGAINST COMMUNISM

Grey River Argus, 18 December 1948, Page 7

R.S.A. ADVOCACY OF N.Z. LEGISLATION AGAINST COMMUNISM

South Canterbury Association Resolution TIMARU, December 17. At a. general meeting last evening, the members of the South Canterbury Returned Services’ Association decided to ask the Dominion headquarters of the R.S.A. to urge the Government to take legislative action against Communism. The discussion, which lasted for two hours, disclosed a sharp divergence in the views of members. During the discussion the president (Mr D. J. Mcßeath) ruled that Communism was a non-political question. Early in the proceedings, Mr A. B. Stewart, claiming that the R.S.A. was a non.political body, moved that no action be taken on the subject. He was. supported by Mr P. W. J. Cockerill, who said that expelling Communists from the association would drive them underground, whereas if they were allowed to remain they would be under the scrutiny of other members who could give them a guiding hand where necessary. Mr H. G. Naylor said: “I think one of the most dangerous errors we can be led into is to think that this is a party matter”. He declared that it was a menace to the public welfare, having been denounced- by the Prime Minister, the Minister of Works, and the Leader of the Opposition. Loyalty to the King, country and Empire were inherent in R.S.A. membership, but a Communist owed allegiance to none of those, but to a foreign country and its agents. Why then did they seek membership of this organisation? He suggested that it was for the same reason they had sought entrance to others. They had secured key positions in them. Communism was a philosophy of life, said Mr Naylor. Mr G. C. Walker said: “They are a ruthless organisation, and should be dealt with ruthlessly”. Mr Walker advocated the extermination of Communism at the outset. If Communism were allowed to develop he‘foresaw a possibility of the Empire’s being split in time of war. The meeting also supported a remit submitted by the Dominion headquarters for an expression of opinion: "That all Communists be debarred from membership of all affiliated branches of the New Zealand Returned Services’ Association”. A recommendation will be made to the Dominion headquarters that all members assuming executive positions be required to swear allegiance to King and country.