WILLING SERVICE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23545, 4 January 1940, Page 8

WILLING SERVICE

BRITISH RECRUITS CALL TO THE COLOURS PLANS WIDELY APPROVED By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright British Wireless LONDON, Jan. 2 The Royal proclamation notifying a further 2,000,000 men of their liability for military service, thus giving the Government powers for what is probably one year's recruitment pogramme, is regarded by the press as proving, by its extent, the inflexible resolution and earnestness of Britain's war effort. Hitherto men have been called up in single age groups. Now, with the knowledge that notices will be fairly evenly spaced over the coming months, the men can look ahead and adjust their affairs better. At the same time the authorities will be able better to utilise the nation's man-power to maximum advantage, whether in industry or in .the fighting services. Comparison is made in some newspapers between experience in the last war, when the acceptance of compulsory service was qualified by strong opposition and widespread misgiving, even after 17 months of desperate campaigning, whereas in this war the scheme is warmly approved by all responsible sections of British opinion. Huge Prospective Army The Times notes that the new effort does not stand alone. "At a conservative estimate," it says, "classes previously registered have yielded 600,000 men. To that figure must be added the men already serving in the armed forces at the outbreak of the war and volunteers accepted since, who together number not far short of 1,000,000 men. "And last, but not least, there must be added the troops from the Dominions. In all, the number of mon, exclusive of Dominion and colonial troops, who are either under arms or will be in the relatively near future may well reach 2,500,000 before further classes aro called upon. This figure is far from exhausting the potential man-power which can ultimately be brought into service." After reviewing the nation's military effort in other fields, the Times proceeds: "Nobody, friend or foe, can detect tlie slightesh sign of irresolution or of hanging back in these preparations, Canada's Contribution to Cause "Last night's proclamation offers incontrovertible proof that in manpower and in every thing else our contribution to victory will not be less than the highest which can possibly be given." This week's arrival of a further contingent of Canadians has been made the occasion for reviews in the press of Canada's past contributions to the Empire's cause. The extent of Canada's war effort in a four years' war may be gauged from the fact that in 1914 the strength of the permanent force of the Canadian Army numbered 3000 and non-permanent 60,000, but before tho war wasi over 600,000 Canadians had served with tho colours.

CAMP TRAINING COMPULSION IN AUSTRALIA MANY JOIN OVERSEAS FORCE (Received January 3. 11.15 p.m.) SYDNEY. Jan. 3 The response by youths to the call-up for compulsory military training, which was inaugurated to-day throughout Australia, was excellent. Quite a largo percentage expressed the desire to be drafted straight into the Second Australian Imperial Force. The enrolment to-day affected thousands who will become 21 by June 30, and will become liable for home defence. The Australian Government decided last October to reintroduce compulsory military training in order to keep the home militia at a strength of 75,000. Men called up, are to undergo three months' continuous camp training.

SCHEDULE RELAXED RESERVED OCCUPATIONS FACILITATING VOLUNTEERING (Received January 3, 5.46 p.m.) LONDON, Jan. 3 The Ministry of Labour has relaxed the reserved occupations schedule embracing 60 trades" and professions. This will enable men in that schedule to volunteer for service. It is understood that about 1,000,000 men are involved aiul that those in many occupations will bo able to join any branch. A, second list stipulates that tradesmen must volunteer for their' own trade. The Ministry also appeals for volunteers for Franco. The News Chronicle says that largo numbers of the 2,000,000 men duo for calling-up in the next few months will be trained in France, Africa, Palestine and elsewhere, thus relieving the billeting strain in England and providing reinforcements for strategic points. INDIAN TERRITORIALS FIVE NEW BATTALIONS (Received January 3, 5.40 p.m.) DELHI, Jan. 2 The Government has authorised the formation of five new battalions of Territorials under the expansion plan announced after the outbreak of tho war.