Britain Considering Conscription?

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 96, 26 April 1939, Page 5

Britain Considering Conscription?

French Rumours With An Official Background DECISION AWAITED United Press Association.—By Electrlo Telegraph.—Copyriffht. Received Tuesday, 7.30 p.m. LONDON, April 24. The Paris correspondent of the British United tress says it is believed the British Government is on the eve of a decision regarding- some form of conscription, and in view of this those in informed quarters express the opinion tnat Sir Nevile Henderson has gone to Berlin to tell Herr Hitler that the move is not directed against Germany. A section of the press says the British Cabinet discussed the matter to-day. The Paris Soir says Britain is morally ready and lias found that its best recruiting sergeant is Adolf Hitler. The British Cabinet sat for two hours and will meet again on April 27, after consultation with the other parties. The possibility of securing a general agreement must depend on the form and extent of the scheme proposed. Mr. James Maxtou, M.P. (Independent Labour), speaking at Manchester, declared that conscription could be prevented if the Labour and Liberal parties with the progressive forces of the countryy spoke out now. He added that supporters of conscription urged it, not because of military necessities, but because they desired to control the masses.

Reuter says it is understood that, at to-night’s Cabinet meeting, there was a general agreement on principle regarding the desirability of conscription. The question of expediency, however, is still open.