UNIVERSAL SERVICE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 30 March 1938, Page 4

UNIVERSAL SERVICE

SUGGESTED IN BRITAIN CIVILIANS’ PART LONDON. 14th March. One result of Herr Hitler’s coup in Austria is a rapid swing in Great Britain toward “some form of compulsory service.” While conscription has not yet been urged because of the great opposition to it. there is a growing demand for speeding the organisation of the country to something approaching a war footing. “The Times” says: "There will be fresh support for more rapid, effective, and even compulsory organisation of the people of these islands for civilian service of the type demanded by modern dangers, particularly that of panic caused by sudden air raids.” Lord Beaverbrook. in an article in the “Sunday Express” yesterday, demanded the introduction of some sort of Defence of the Realm Act. Lord Lothian, in a letter to “The Times,” says: “I believe that democracy itself can only recover its health and confidence if the democratic peoples are ready to place universal national service alongside universal individual liberty, as the basis of society includes the compulsory service of capital—registration of houses as hospitals, limitation of war profits, etc., as well as organisation for universal fitness and the allocation of every individual to the service of the community, whether in peace or emergency.” Authoritative circles in close touch with the Government predict conscription for civilian defence purposes; a 25 to 50 per cent, speed-up of the armament programme; and the launching of the greatest recruiting campaign since the early days of the war. It is believed that the Government will take a strong line in answer to Herr Hitler.