Ex-Servicemen Urging Compulsory Training

Northern Advocate, 17 March 1948, Page 2

Ex-Servicemen Urging Compulsory Training

WELLINGTON, Wed. (P.A.).—The New Zealand Returned Services Association, the Air Force Association and the Home Servicemen’s Association are united, in view of the present chaotic situation in world affairs, in offering to the Government the strongest support in the most drastic action it may take for the defence of New Zealand.

The problem of national defence has been frequently considered by the executive committees of theseUhree exservicemen’s associations in recent months and a full statement was prepared and published some months ago.

air force training organisations. Trainees when called up to be per.mitted as far as possible to volunteer for the service and the arm of that service in which they desire to serve.

(2) That compulsory service include all men mentally and physically capable of some type of service. (4) That men over the age group decided upon for compulsory training and women auxiliaries be accepted for voluntary service in support of the objectives set out above. (51 That the implementation of the provisions outlined in this resolution for the defence of New Zealand be treated as a matter of the greatest urgency.

The executives of the associations 'say they feel that a decision can no longer be safely postponed.

They call on the Government to announce its policy and to take prompt action to put it into effect. They have pledged their strongest support to the Government if it is prepared to implement the following basic formula: (1) Tnat the Government immediately establish compulsory universal military service for young men from, say, the age of 18 for a period sufficient to establish a reasonable standard of efficiency. (2) This will necessitate the establishment of adequate naval, army and