Britain And Russia Await Result Of'Wednesday's Poll

Northern Advocate, 29 July 1949, Page 3

Britain And Russia Await Result Of' Wednesday's Poll

“NEXT week Russia will be awaiting the answer we will give to Britain on the question of compulsory military training, and I cannot believe we will give her any but the propel answer, said the Leader of the Opposition (Mr S. G. Holland) in Whangarei last night. He was speaking to a large audience at the Regent Theatre on the compulsoiy militaiy training referendum to be held, throughout New Zealand on Wednesday. “There are some objectors to this training who would like to see the country unfit and fmtrained. They are the’very people who applaud and glorify the activities behind the Iron Curtain, and their motives are all too clear,” Mr Holland said.

“The Prime Minister and I come with a common appeal. We must b: realists and not fall into the error of wishing and hoping. We must not be blind to the menace facing the world today* “Let us give to Britain, and to the United States—and to Russia—the proper answer on Wednesday, - ’ he said. Mr Holland was preceded by five speakers; the president of the Whangarei RSA (Mr F. C. Eylest, Mr.C Astley, of Dargaville, district vicepresident of Northland for the RSA, Mr R. K. Cotterill, representing Ihe Homeservicemen’s Association, Mr H. A. Henderson, M.A., principal of the Whangarei Boys’ High School, and Mr A. J. Murdoch, M.P. for Marsden. The Mayor (Mr W. Jones) was chairman. WITHOUT INTERRUPTION The Leader of the Opposition was heard without an interruption of any kind, as were the speakers before him. Following his address only one question was asked, while the only dissident note was heard when a motion in favour of compulsory military training was carried. The three or four dissenting voices were almost drowned in the roar of the majority in favour of the resolution. New Zealand should prepare to defend her way of life should trouble come,” Mr Holland said. There was nothing to be gained by exaggeration or by emotion. “I do not blame people for complacency,” Mr Holland said. “The public is complacent because it is unaware. “We must be realists and not fall into the error of wishing and hoping. We must not be blind to the menace facing the world today. “War is not necessarily inevitable or imminent but the present danger will recede as we demonstrate our ability and determination to defend our integrity at whatever cost.” TRAGEDY FROM APPEASEMENT. It was a heavy indictment of the 20th century that the world had been plunged into war twice in 25 years. Mr Holland traced the progress of Hitler and the period of appeasement and retreat before the last war. “Tragedy can ojily result from a policy of appeasement,” he said. “We finally won the war—but only just. “Today nations cannot cooperate for peace because of one country—Russia.” Mr Holland condemned the Russian use of the veto. Russia was probably building up a greater power than any other nation in the world, while outside the Iron Curtain the Russians had sent out their advance guards and ' could be pleased with their work of disintegration. Russia was determined and insistent upon world domination. It -.was sad that Russia, so recently a comrade in

arms, was so rapidly becoming an enemy. DEMONSTRATE PREPAREDNESS The only way of preventing Russian aggression was to demonstrate that the British way of life would be defended, the speaker went on. Since the war Russia had reached out in every direction. He had been asked how serious was the position, Mr Holland said. One after the other, countries had come under the Communist yoke. Eleven ancient European countries had come under this domination and no leader had dared to criticise the new regime and live to tell the tale. “Our memories are so short that we forget the .happenings of yesterday and yesteryear, but have we forgotten the fate of Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria and many others.’ “The great weight of Communist force is ready to pounce on other countries besides these. The Berlin blockade was an attempt to drive Britain and the U.S. out of Europe. IN TWO CAMPS “The Allied countries won that cold war, why? Because we were ready—we were prepared, and we put in that amazing conception of the air-lift something unprecedented in human history. “The world is divided into two camps, East and West, with opposing attitudes to life. The West says live and let live, the East, that the Communist system must expand. “Our freedom has not been won cheaply. "For 100 years New Zealand has been able to look to Britain for protection and security. Today Britain is herself exhausted in every way. “Britain, with France and the United States, is occupying Germany, not wishing to fall into the error we made after the Great War. “PREPARE OR PERISH.” "Britain can no longer defend New Zealand, and she cannot defend herself. Defence is only possible with outside help. Are we worthy of outside assistance?" Mr Holland asked. “We cannot approach practical America without helping ourselves. If New Zealand is not worth defending with her "own resources the United States is certainly not going to defend us.” He referred to New Zealand's illpreparedness at the beginning of World War 11. “Next Wednesday we must decide whether this country is to prepare or perish,” Mr Holland continued. “Those who want to enjoy a democratic life must be prepared to take part in the cost of that way of life.” TO THE MOTHERS. To the mothers, Mr Holland said every returned soldier hated and loathed war. But no mother would like to think she had a son who would not defend her If she were attacked.

“Should trouble come every young man will be called to the colours, no matter what party is in power,” he continued.

“What is - best for them, for you, for the country? Should they be trained in defence, or should they be mobilised untrained, thus repeating the blunders of the past? "There is only one answer. To train them when we have time—during peace. I hope that every mother will consider that position. “Some mothers think their ‘little Willy’ is not quite ready for camp. They want to put it off for a few years. The camp atmosphere may not be good for him. they say. “His little mother doesn't know how much her little Willy knows!” (Laughter.) DEVELOPING FITNESS Mr Holland referred to the number of men who had recently been rejected from the forces becausfe they were unfit. “We will develop in the youth a physique that will be of great benefit to this country. We will impress him with the importance of discipline, and develop his moral and manly character,” he said. Genuine objectors on conscientious and religious grounds were held in respect, but no one had a right to live in New Zealand unless they made a contribution to maintain it. he went on. However, there were other objectors who would like to see the country unfit and untrained, yet they were the very people who applauded the activities behind the Iron Curtain. Their motives were all too clear, Mr Holland concluded. OTHER DOMINIONS Why was conscription necessary in New Zealand when Australia and Canada did not have it, a member of the audience asked. Mr Holland answered that both Canada and Australia could raise a division from their regular forces and by voluntary means, while New Zealand could not without conscription. Further. Australia, with its rocket range, and Canada with its air defence and contributions to the navy, had done more than New Zealand in the way of Empire defence. Mr C. A. Taylor moved that the meeting express its unanimity in favour of compulsory military training, seconded by Mr N. M. Smith. The motion was carried with about three voices raised in dissent.