RESERVISTS’ APPEALS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 195, 19 July 1941, Page 6

RESERVISTS’ APPEALS.

OF GERMAN DESCENT. (Press Assn.) AUCKLAND, July 19. Three reservists, whose fatners were of Gcrmar. birth, appeared betore No. 1 Armed Forces Appeal Board when they appealed against Territorial service on conscientious grounds. Karl Belin said that both his father and his uncle were internees on Somes Island, Wellington. His father had lieen in New Zealand lor 25 years, but had not been naturalised. He was also interned m the last war. “Would you like to enter camp)'” asked the Crown representative (Mr Cox). “Not while we are distrusted all tlio time and have all our mail opened,” answered tlio reservist. Mr E. Wright, who spoke on behalf of the reservist, said Belin’s father and uncle, who were members of the German Club, were interned last Christmas.” “That decision was made after a very strict inquiry liefore a Judge of the Supreme Court,” said the chairman (Air Orr Walker, S.M.). “However, we are not going to visit the sins of the father on the son.” The appeal, was dismissed, the chairman remarking that the question of nationality would be brought beforo the Director of National Service. “My case is vastly different from that of my brother,” said Rudloph Ernst Belin. “I know more as I listen over the radio.” Mr Cox pointed out that, as the reservist was not a British subject, the appeal resolved itself into tho status of the case. The appeal was referred to the Man-Power Committee. “I do not feel that I could fight against my father’s country,” said Herbert Blumhardt. “I do not believe in war and there is no reason why I should kill my fellow man.” “I wisli some of tlio people you speak about held those views,” remarked the chairman. “Your case is really one of mental hardship.” The appeal was dismissed hut the question of national ty will lie taken up with the Director of National Service \Of .36 men called to parade as defaulters at the Drill Hall, only one appeared. Tho of those who failed to attend are conscientious objectors whose appeals against service have been dismissed by the Armed Forces Appeal Board.