COMPULSORY QUESTION.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXIX, Issue LXIX, 30 September 1915, Page 5

COMPULSORY QUESTION.

REFERENCES IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS.

LONDON, Sept. 28. In the House of Commons, Captain F. E. Guest invited Mr Asquith to make a, statement on national servce. Mr Asquith -said the subject Was receiving careful and most anxious consideration- The Government would announce its policy at the earliest moment." Meantime he appealed to members not to raise the subject.

"We are," he said, "at a very critical moment in the history of the war. We are watching with intense sympathy and hope the gallant efforts of the Allied forces. Nothing could do a greater disservice to Britain and the cause the Allies at such a moment than the suggestion of a division of opinion here."

Later, Captain Guest reverted to the subject. He realised the grave responsbility of .disobeying Mr Asquith's request, but this was a time to do what was right, irrespective of pressure from whatever source. Conscription would hearten the Allies, have a steadying effect on Bulgaria, and strengthen the attitude of Greece. Conscription could not be urged if the Government could guarantee 20,000 recruits weekly. Unless that could be guaranteed the Government ought not to delay in the (adoption of a system which would guarantee recruits.

Mr C. S. Henry, Mr Joseph Pease, and Mr Pringle declared the discussion untimely, and appealed for silence until the Government had arrived at a de-

cision. Mr Stanley Wilson did not think voluntaryism could replace the casualties.

Lieut.-Colonel Sir A. S. Boscawen said that unless there was an accelerated flow of recruits it would be impossible to maintain the army at its present strength-

Mr Chaplin said he never imagined such a debate would arise after Mr Asquith's reply. (Cheers.) It was one of the most regrettable debates in the House of Commons' history. If Lord Kitchener thought conscription necessary he would not hesitate to say so. (Cheers.) General attacks on Mr Asquith and those responsible for the conduct of the army was a deplorable thing.

Mr Amery said he could not understand the dread of discussion.

Mr Stephen Collins protested against the criticisms after Mr Asquith's solemn words. Conscriptionists were flouting Mr Asquith. Mr Asquitli's gra,ve appeal showed that the Commons and the Government realised the critical nature of the present operations. Rt. Hon. H. J. Tennant^ in reply to a question a® to whether soldiers who had been long in the trenches could be given leave, aroused loud cheers t>y replying that soldiers at the front do not wish to be baulked in the glorious opportunity for " which they have waited so long.