NATIONAL SERVICES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 25 January 1939, Page 7

NATIONAL SERVICES

CAMPAIGN IN ENGLAND COMMENT ON PRIME MINISTER’S SPEECH VOLUNTARY SYSTEM MUST NOT FAIL I British Official Wiretail#) (Received 25th January. 10.20 a.m.) RUGBY. 24th January. Newspapers devote considerable space to the national service campaign and most of them have leading articles supporting Mr Chamberlain’s appeal. “The Times” remarks that the address was by no means alarmist, but it did make clear once again that the best chance of avoiding war is to convince the aggressor that war would be a dangerous adventure.

' Commenting on the fact that the Government rejected for the moment any idea of securing ample organised power protection through compulsion, “The Times” adds that it must not be thought that anything short of practically a universal response will suffice. The nearer the country can get by voluntary methods to universal training and universal service the less likely are both war and compulsion. The “News-Chronicle” says that the voluntary system must not be allowed to fail. Every man and woman must examine his or her conscience and the opportunities of service. Between six and seven millions, half of Britain's manpower, are included in the Government’s scheme of “reserved i occupations.” In the Ministry of Labour’s schedule, published to-day. The jobs of these workers are regarded as of national importance and they are | not to be enrolled for any form of [national service such as Air Raid PreI cautions which is wholetime in war, but not in peace.

The schedule shows workers, whether by reason of age or occupation, or both, that their jcb is regarded as a national service.