PLATFORM OF THE LEAGUE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 14 April 1939, Page 2

PLATFORM OF THE LEAGUE

fTo The Editorl Sir,—Recently you have published various letters signed “The Society for Investigation of the Defence League” and in spite of answers published over the signature of the chairman of the executive of the Nelson branch of the New Zealand Defence League this writer does not yet seem to be able to grasp what the Defence League is trying to do, I have been instructed to ask you to publish the League’s platform and also its aims and objects. The platform of the League is:— (a) urge the Government to develop an adequate system of defence on sea, land and in the air, and to mobilise and co-ordinate the country’s resources so as to make them available in case of emergency. (b) To bring before the public the necessity for adequate defence and to impress upon the members of the public their responsibilities in this regard. (c) To further the aims and objects of kindred associations.

(d) To assist any practical measure calculated to ensure amity among the nations, recognising that the background of all defence effort should be the attainment of that object, and that in building up an adequate defence system we are assisting the British Commonwealth of Nations to become an effective force in the promotion of world peace

(e) The League shall not in any circumstances interfere directly or indirectly, in industrial disputes.

The above can best be secured by assisting the Government.

(1) In strengthening the Royal Volunteer Reserve, the Territorial Forces and the Air Force; in encouraging the youth of the country to undergo naval, military and physical training and in educating the public to recognise the service these young men are rendering to their country.

(2) In organising the civilian population, particularly hospital, medical and nursing staffs for possible emergency.

(3> In organising transport services, food and other supplies, and other essential services.

To carry cut the above the League advocates:—

(1) A minimum of three months compulsory continuous recruit training by all youths on attaining the age of 18 years..

(2) Thereafter continuity of compulsory training for a period of four years in the Territorial Army of such numbers of men as are necessary for the adequate defence of this Dominion. (3) The restoration of the old Territorial units which existed prior to 1921 by the immediate utilisation of the compulsory trainees as indicated in the previous paragraph.

(4) The principle of equality of economic sacrifice in war-time.

(5) That the defence of Australia and New Zealand be looked on as one and indivisible, and the League urges that plans for joint and mutual defence be the subject of consultation between the General Staffs of the two countries.

(6) The establishment of a national register of botn sexes with the obligation on the part of those registered to render such service to the country as may De most convenient to their ability and the requirements of the situation.

(7) Approval of legislation designed to improve physical welfare.

In regard to the other questions asked about the Army the majority come under Army Law and the King’s Regulations and are therefore not within the scope of the League.

Thanking you in anticipation of the above being published and should this information not be full enough for the one who signs himself “The Society of Investigation etc..” the writer will be verj' pleased if they will call at his office when any information that he has at his disposal he will be very pleased to pass on.—l am. etc.,

R. A. STEDMAN, Secretary, Nelson Branch. Nelson. 13th April.