WISH TO SERVE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23163, 8 October 1938, Page 15

WISH TO SERVE

NATION'S READINESS ■J /?•:■ - i •»,*'< ' r : ' f • V % 1 * PREMIER IMPRESSED RESPONSE IN EMERGENCY NECESSITY FOR INQUIRY By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received October 7, 5,5 p.m.) British Wireless RUGBY, Oct. 0 "I sincerely believe that we may yet secure peace in our time, but I have never suggested that it can be achieved by disarming, which means weakness unless we can induce others to disarm," said Mr. Chamberlain in his speech to-day in the House of Commons. "Tho crisis has thrown light on our preparations. There must be the fullest inquiry to enablo deficiencies to be made good as soon as possible- I cannot help feeling that had war come the people of Britain would have lost {heir spiritual faith altogether. Now we may well have a spiritual revival everyr where. There is a strong desire to serve. I would like to take advantage of that." Conscription Issue , Mr. Chamberlain said the previous statement that the Government would not introduce conscription, a compulsory national service, in peace time, still held good. "As for other measures, I would not like to commit myself now until I have had a little time for reflection," the Prime Minister continued. "I think nobody co;ild fail to be impressed by the fact that the emergency brought out the whole of the people of this country, whatever their occupation,

whatever their class or whatever their station, and they were ready to do their/duty, however disagreeable, however hard and however dangerous. Everywhere there was a strong desire among the people to show their readiness to serve' their country wherever and however their service could be most useful. 't.' Suggestions Invited "I would like to'tpke advantage of this strong feeling, if' it be possible, and although I must frankly say at this moment I do not myself clearly see my way to any particular scheme, I am ready to consider any suggestions that may be made to me in a very sympathetic spirit." Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd, Under-Secretary, for the Homo Office, said 40,000,000 gas masks had been issued and further large deliveries were being received each week. Precautions for the civil population must be carried out thoroughly and must be extended; Business firms which had begun schemes for tlie protection of their workpeople should press on steadily with them.