IMPERIAL DESERTERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15684, 11 August 1914, Page 5

IMPERIAL DESERTERS.

PARDONED IF THEY ENLIST.

[JIT TELEGB.I m. —riIESS association.]

Wellington. Monday. Tub Defence Department has received (lie following cablegram from the London War Office:"Pardon for Deserters.— The King has been graciously pleased to sanction pardon being granted to soldiers who wero in a state of desertion from tho regular forces on August 5, provided they surrender themselves in the United Kingdom en or before September 4, or at any station abroad where there are regular forces, on or before October 4. They will forfeit all service prior to the date of surrender, but such service will subsequently be restored under conditions laid down in tho King's regulations 011 restoration of service forfeited under section 79 of the Army Act. Deserters who enlist between August 5 and October 4'in any colonial corps which may havo been, or which have been placed at the disposal of the Imperial Government for war, will bo granted free pardon at the expiration of their service in such corps, and will not bo claimed for further servico in the regular forces of the United Kingdom. They will, however, forfeit all service rendered in tho regular forces prior to tho date of such enlistment. Tho provisions of this order will not bo applied to men . who have fraudulently or improperly enlisted. This is by command of the Army - Council."