PLAN ADOPTED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23333, 29 April 1939, Page 13

PLAN ADOPTED

MILITARY TRAINING COMMONS VOTE SPEECH BY PREMIER J PLEDGE RECALLED CONDITIONS DIFFERENT By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright British Wireless LONDON, April 27 The Prime Minister, Mr. Chamberlain, in the House of Commons to-day moved that the House approve the Government's proposal to introduce as soon as possible a system of compulsory military training. The motion also declared that such a system was necessary for the safety of the country and the fulfilment of undertakings recently given to certain countries in Europe. Further, the motion set out that the House welcomes the fact that the Government is associating with this proposal fresh legislative powers to limit the profits of firms engaged mainly in the production of armaments and giving tho assurance that in the event of war steps would be taken to penalise profits, and to prevent additions to individual fortunes out of warcreated conditions.

Heavy Defeat of Amendment The Labour Party's amendment was defeated by 380 votes to 143 and the motion was carried by 376 votes to 11-5. The Opposition Liberals, including Mr. Lloyd George and his son and daughter, voted with Government members. In moving the motion, Mr. Chamberlain said that two days would be given to the second reading debate on the Military • Training Bill, the first of which would be next Thursday, and that the Reserves and Auxiliary Forces Bill would be debated in the week after next. The Government thought it important that the statement concerning the bills should be made this week because if it had been delayed until next week it would almost inevitably have been taken as being in some way related to the speech Herr Hitler is to make tomorrow.

Rapid Change in the Situation Referring to the pledge given the House of Commons in the past not to introduce conscription in peace time within the lifetime of this Parliament. Mr. Chamberlain said he wanted to point out that the position on the occasion of the pledge was very different from that of to-day. In those times war was not imminent, and there was no question present in the minds of anybody which then appeared likely to lead to war.

They had thought at that time that it would have been possible to meet all the country's needs by the voluntary system of recruiting. The fact was that to-day the Government no longer thought the needs of the country could be met by the voluntary system if that system were to stand alone. Surely it was not necessary to remind the House that even since March 29 the situation had rapidly changed. Since then the Government had given assurances to Poland, Greece and Rumania, and had thus enormously increased Britain's liabilities. Mr. Chamberlain added that if these assurances, the purpose of which was to prevent war, were to be effective, Britain must inspire confidence in those countries and throughout Europe that her assurances would be carried through to the end. Front Against Domination by Force It had been becoming clear to the Government that the success of its whole efforts to build up a solid front against the idea of domination by force was being jeopardised by doubts expressed as to British determination. The Prime Minister said he did not think anyone could read to-day's newspapers without realising that the Government's statement had brought confidence, relief and encouragement to all Britain's friends in Europe.

COPENHAGEN'S DEFENCE COPENHAGEN, April 27 Four thousand men have been called up for the air defence of Copenhagen.