BE PREPARED

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 24 January 1939, Page 5

BE PREPARED

NATIONAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN INAUGURATED BY MR CHAMBERLAIN MENACE FROM THE AIR iC.P.A.—By Electric Telegraph— Copyright! (Received 24th January, 11.45 a.m.) LONDON, 23rd January. Mr Chamberlain, inaugurating the National Service Campaign, said : “It is a scheme to make us ready for war. That does not mean I think war is coming. You know, I have done all I can to preserve peace for ourselves and others. We would never begin a war, but might be forced to participate in a war begun by others, or might be attacked if the government of another i country thought we could not defend ourselves. Therefore, the better we are prepared the less likely is it that any aggressor will try an adventure on which the chances of success would be so unpromising. The development of air force has deprived Britain of its old island security. Civilians might be the first victims of an attack, and the necessary organisation for their protection must be made in peace time. Moreover, we must train in peace time, for there will be no time to train after a war starts. Therefore, the scheme is merely common prudence.” Mr Chamberlain asked all who were ready to volunteer and who were not already engaged in work essential for the country’s security to choose some form of service outside their ordinary work. The Prime Minister concluded that there were some who believe a compulsory scheme would be more effective, “but compulsion is not in accordance with the democratic system under which we live or consistent with the tradition of the freedom we have always striven to maintain. We are confident that we shall get all the volunteers required without recourse to compulsion. It is for you to show the world what a free people are prepared to do in defence of their liberties and ideals, and I am confident the call will bring the response for which I ask.’’