R.S.A. ATTITUDE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 80, 26 June 1945, Page 3

R.S.A. ATTITUDE

HEARING OfI)EFAULTER’S APPEALS

ASSOCIATION WILL NOT SHIRK ITS PART, SAYS MR JACOBS Palmerston North, This Day. Questioned about what the N.Z.R.S.A. intends to do in view of the results of its discussions last week and the statement by the Acting Prime Minister. Mr Nash, that the hearing of defaulters’ appeals is to - commence immediately, Mr B. J. Jacobs, Dominion President of the R.S.A., said: "I must confess I have been compelled to indulge in a few reflections following Mr Nash’s pronouncement. My first thought is that the existence of this elect band of defiant law-breakers has continuously been brought to the notice of the Government through con stant enquiries of the R.S.A. as to the policy regarding them. It cannot be claimed that they have been forgotten. Is it not strange, therefore, that the thought of some imagined injustice to any of.these defaulters should have so closely followed uppn. victory in Europe? Is it not strange that these offenders are allowed at this late hour to plead the conscientious objection they may not have had or might not have pleaded originally? Is it not strange that some who did not even appeal at all but just defaulted should have the opportunity, too, and can plead good conduct? Is it not strange that members of the Government, now so suddenly solicitous about these people, did not ever think of the far larger number whose conscientious objections were disallowed but who obeyed the law of the land and did their part magnificently? Is it not strange that although to the knowledge of the Government Great Britain has provided an appellate tribunal for years it is only at this belated hour that it is thought that similar considerations should apply here? Is it not strange that after nearly five years there should be such haste to enter upon the application of the regulations in spite of vigorous protests from organisations and individuals representing all sections of the community, and peculiarly enough before Parliament opens almost immediately?

“I can only conclude that there must be some surpassing sympathy for these defiant law-breakers and disloyalists. To get back to the question, What is the R.S.A. going to do about it? Do not worn'. We shall not shirk our part and the near future will provide a full reply. May I however, in my turn ask one or two pertinent questions? What are the Members of Parliament going to do about it when iriey meet this week? Do they intend to exercise the. full expression cf their respective consciences or will they follow the crack of the party whip 7 “Finally, what a ,- e the memteis of the general public going to do about it, mothers, fathers, wives and relatives cf those who did not hesitate to perform their plain duty and so many jf whom will never return or who come back broken physically or mentally? If all these do their part the R.S.A. will have the backing it merits in its determined attitude towards the betrayal by the Government of all loyal law-abiding citizens.”—P.A.