ULSTER EXCLUDED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23339, 6 May 1939, Page 14

ULSTER EXCLUDED

IMPORTANT DECISION ' POSITION EXPLAINED LOYAL AID ASSURED INCREASE IN FORCES By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright LONDON, May -1 Continuing his speech on the Military Training Bill in the House of Commons, the Prime Minister said : "I will now come to Clause XV., the effect of which is to provide that the King may, by Order-in-Council, extend the Act to Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man, subject to certain alterations." This was necessary because the measure could not be extended to Northern Ireland without certain adjustments in order to make it administratively practicable.

However, it was apparent, of course, that in the application of this Act to Northern Ireland there were special difficulties which did not arise in this part of the United Kingdom, and accordingly the Government had asked Viscount Craigavon, Prime Minister of Ulster, to come to London and discuss the matter.

"Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom and it would be the natural course to apply to Northern Ireland the same measures' as we are applying to England, Scotland and Wales." said Mr. Chamberlain. "Moreover, the people of Northern Ireland are, above all, loyal to the Crown and to their connection with the United Kingdom. Northern Ireland's Patriotism

"Nothing would cause so much resentment in Ulster as a suggestion that its people wished in. any way to be relieved of burdens or sacrifices which were being borne by their fellow citizens elsewhere. When I saw Lord Craigavon on this matter he vehemently asserted that that was the position, but on the other hand he said just as firmly that in his opinion nothing ought to stand in the way of the unity of the country in this matter. "Lord Craigavon was also anxious," Mr. Chamberlain continued, "that nothing should be done which could bo exploited by people who were unfriendly to Britain, and therefore he told me that the whole resources of Ulster were at tho disposal of the Crown in this matter, as always, and that Ulster was most anxious to help in any way which could be of most assistance to the Government. "He stated that he would desire to leave the ultimate decision of what should be done in- the hands of the British Government. "We warmly welcomed that attitude on the part of Lord Craigavon and his Government — an attitude that is inspired by the purest kind of patriotism. Assistance to be Voluntary

"In asking us to make this decision, Lord Craigavon put upon our shoulders a heavy responsibility, but it is one which we are not going to. shirk. Therefore we have decided that this bill shall not be extended to Northern Ireland, and we propose to amend Clause XV. in committee accordingly. "We are convinced that the spirit which animated Lord Craigavoii in making :his communication to us will' be found to provide for Northern Ireland no smaller contribution to tlte defence forces. In addition to the existing voluntary units in Northern Ireland, it has been decided to constitute a Northern Irish force on a supplementary reserve basis in tho form of a light tank unit of theßoyal Armoured Corps. "I believe that is an announcement which will give great satisfaction throughout Northern Ireland." Mr. Chamberlain concluded by reminding the House that it was in the interests of the country that the bill should be passed into law as quickly as possible.

POLICY STATED BRITISH LABOUR PARTY OPPOSITION TO MEASURE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS (Received May 5, 6.5 p.m.) British Wireless LONDON, May 4 After a joint meeting of the three executives of the Labour Party, which lasted three hours, the following statement was issued:

"Having regard to the admitted success of the voluntary recruiting, boasted of by Ministers themselves; to the economic and industrial considerations involved; to the unreadiness of the Government in respect of equipment and supply; to the repeated pledges of the Prime Minister and his predecessor not to introduce conscription in time of peace, and to the precipitant manner in which the measure was decided on and introduced in Parliament, the Labour movement will and must oppose the Military Training Bill." / The statement outlines a number of considerations of policy which the Labour Party intends to bring to the attention of Parliament and the nation. These include: (1) Making a reality of the Ministry of Supply for all purposes on a comprehensive basis, and the prevention of profiteering; (2) fundamental reforms in the appointment and promotion of officers in the armed forces; (3) while maintaining all essentials of discipline, to establish full facilities for promotion from the ranks; (i) safeguards against the use of armed force in industrial disputes, and further guarantees of the employment of men called to tho colours and proper provision in respect of dependants of conscripts; (5) safeguards for conscientious objectors.