Government Resolution

Northern Advocate, 27 May 1940, Page 3

Government Resolution

Mr Fraser quoted from a letter he had forwarded to the Returned Soldiers’ Association, in reply to an inquiry from that body. Mr Fraser said that the proposals to come before Parliament on Thursday meant compulsory universal national service—civil, military and financial—as required. Mr Fraser stated that the Government Party on Saturday had passed the following resolution:— “At this hour of great peril to our country and the British Commonwealth, members of the Parliamentary Labour Party solemnly affirm their determination to do all that lies in their power to prosecute the war to a successful conclusion, and pledge themselves to support every measure, of whatever kind, that is necessary to attain this end.” The letter received from the president of the Returned Soldiers’ Association (Mr W. Perry), Mr Eraser said, asked:

“Can I tell my executive this morning that the proposals to come before Parliament mean compulsory universal national service—civil, military and financial?” Mr Fraser quoted his reply, in which he said his colleagues had immediately concurred, and which they had endorsed. This answer was: “My answer is yes, definitely, as required.” Mr Fraser said that the “as required” meant that no steps would be taken unless they were needed, or taken without adequate consideration and the necessary organisation. There would be no danger of chaos or of unnecessary interference with people, theiu. persons or their property, until such steps were necessary in the war effort of the Dominion. Then those steps would be taken. - The Government realised that the moment was one of grave anxiety for the people of the Dominion. It shared that anxiety.