DESIRE OF N.Z. YOUTH IN LONDON TO SERVE

Manawatu Times, Volume 65, Issue 121, 23 May 1940, Page 8

DESIRE OF N.Z. YOUTH IN LONDON TO SERVE

j (l*y Telegraph—Press Association > WELLINGTON, May 22. The Prime Minister, Mr P. Fraser, ’ has reecived a further cable from Mr Desmond Smith, of London, who claim* that New Zealanders In London bordering on the age of 20, should be allowed to serve with the New Zealand force*. He says: “Sincere thanks for your cable, but, Mr Premier, we are New Zealanders, lit mentally and physically. Wc are respectfully claiming the right that at 20 we should be accepted for our own country’s forces. Have we no privileges because we have left our native land? Are we forgotten men? The British Government accept men of 20. I beg of you to allow us to fight alongside our relatives and brothers. Help us, please. We are men.” Mr Fraser has replied as follows: “Your further telegram received. From my previous cablegram you will have noted that you are at present ineligible for enlistment into the N.Z.E.F. on account of your age, but may I suggest that there is apparently nothing in the way of your joining the British forces, at once.”