FIFTH COLUMN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23781, 8 October 1940, Page 8

FIFTH COLUMN

SERVICE OPPOSED CIRCULAR TO RECRUjTS REFUSAL OF DUTY URGED [by TELEGRAPH PItF.SS association] CHRISTCHimCH, Monday Almost every man whose name appeared last week in the lists of those called for territorial service received this morning a circular from an unknown sourco calling on him to refuse military duty. The documents were eyclostyled foolscap sheets which hore no signature or other indication of origin and u;ere contained in envelopes which gave no clue. The circulars were distributed practically throughout New Zealand. It is understood Canterbury was well covered. In Christcliurch circulars were delivered to addresses contained in published lists of men called up. Delivery was apparently made between 10 o'clock last night and 6.30 a.m. today, some to private addresses and some to business addresses. Many were thrust under doors. Ashburton Postmark

Timaru residents received theirs through the post in envelopes bearing an Ashburton postmark dated Sunday. The document starts "Dear Fellow Citizen" and follows with a statement in capital letters "You have been conscripted for military service." Then follows an exhortation to all who were called up to refuse military duty. The Mayor of Christchurch, Mr. R. M. Macfarlane, M.P.j described the statement as treason and announced to a meeting of patriotic bodies to-day that he had sent a telegram to the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser, drawing his attention to it. The matter has also been referred to the police. The Minister of Supply, the Hon. D. G. Sullivan, < whose attention was drawn to the circular, said he was gravely concerned that such a document should have been distributed.

" Treacherous Document M

"It is a treacherous document and the most treasonable T have ever read," said the Minister of National Service, the Hon. R. Semple, who saw a copy of the letter to-day. "In view of the fact that it was addressed to men who had been called up for territorial service, that is for home defence, it is clear that the people who issued it are members of the Fifth Column, uncompromising enemies of New Zealand, who would surrender New Zealand to a foreign foe at no matter what cost to their country." Mr. Semple said the wide distribution of the document proved that there was a large organisation for its dissemination. It showed that the Fifth Column in New Zealand was far larger than most people imagined. The sooner these people were cleaned up the better. "Such creatures," Mr. Semple added, "are traitors of the worst type." The Superintendent of Police, Mr. 8. Rawle, who showed himself to be acquainted with the circular and its contents, said he could make no comment on the position.