Red Office Holders Out

Northern Advocate, 12 January 1948, Page 3

Red Office Holders Out

SYDNEY, Mon. (Noon).—ln the past two years the Australian Legion of ex-Servicemen has removed twelve Communists from office in the legion, according to the New South Wales vice-president (Mr H. R. Mitchell). It is awaiting a report on two more office bearers, who are alleged to be Communists.

If the allegations are proved the men will be expelled from office. The most recent member removed from office for alleged Communism was the publicity officer of a suburban sub-branch, who denies he has any connection with the Communist Party. Mr Mitchell says that the move commenced two years ago, when Communists attempted to gain key positions in the legion.

MEMBERSHIP ALLOWED According to the rules of the organisation, a Communist may retain his general membership. "The legion is a non-political body of men, and the very essence of every tie which holds them together is their loyalty to their country and its constitution,” says the Sydney Daily Telegraph today. “The real Communist must be disloyal, as he is pledged to subversive political activity and to destruction by guile and force. “There are many Australian institutions where he should hesitate to .show his face.

“The legion is certainly one of them.”