EX-SERVICEMEN

Otago Witness, Issue 3495, 8 March 1921, Page 18

EX-SERVICEMEN

EMPIRE LEAGUE FORMED. CAPETOWN, February 28. The Empire Conference of Ex-service-men opened at the City Hall. A message was read from King George declaring that he was sure that the union of Empire warriors would strengthen the splendid spirit of fellowship evinced in the war and give new life to the noble British ideals they fought so gallantly and successfully to save. Lord Haig, in the course of his speech, dwelt upon the common heritage all the parts represented possessed in the Empire. They were partners in a world wide federation of nations, under the King as the symbol of unity. A resolution to form a British Empire League of ex-servicemen was adopted, and a discussion followed on the basis of representation. Mr Dyett an Australian delegate, said that the dominions should all have one vote, not a vote for every 7 ex-service orfanisation as suggested for South Africa, ecause the latter, unlike Australia, had failed to link up rival organisations. Mr Headley, a New Zealand delegate, considered that Mr Dyett was making a mountain out of a molehill. It was not a question of South Africa outvoting Australia or New Zealand. They were there for each other’s benefit. It Whs ultimately agreed that Britain and the dominions should have two votes each. At the Ex-Servicemen's •'Conference General Smuts said he hoped that the conference would help the various Governments to deal with the welfare of the soldiers. There was a true, honest desire by the Government and peoples of all parts of the Empire to do their best to meet cases of hardship. Earl Haig said that the bond which held the ex-servicemen together should never be loosened, but handed unbroken and unbreakable down to their children’s children. There should be a guarantee for all time throughout the wide Empire of the maintenance of the wide ideals for which thev had fought. At the Empire Ex-servicemen's Confer ence it was moved that until the League of Nations has proved a practical organisation for the maintenance of peace it is essential that the defence of the Empire aha 11 be maintained in such a way as to guarantee the integrity of territories against anv probable enemies, and that the fonference view with deep concern the fact

that the lessons with regard to provision for war brought home in 1914 and succeeding years at incalculable loss of life and sacrifice are being lost sight of. The discussion was adjourned. The conference adopted a resolution moved by Mr Leadlev (New Zealand) that while it welcomed the immigration of exservicemen, it was opposed to unrestricted immigration. Mr Leadley said that what was wanted was men who were not afraid to work, and who were prepared to go into the backblocks and not congregate in large cities. Replying to Mr Leadley’s suggestion that Britain’s treatment of the returned soldiers would detrimentally affect the response at the next call to arms, Mr Dyett (Australia) declared that Australia certainly would be there, and would risk ex tinction rather than leave the Empire m the lurch. He believed that the response to the Empire’s next hour of need would exceed that of the past war. UNEMPLOYMENT QUESTION DISCUSSED. CAPETOWN, March 2. At the Ex-Servicemen’s Conference a motion in favour of ex-servicemen securing representation on -the League of Nations was withdrawn after discussion. Mr Leadley (New Zealand) moved—“ That the conference views with alarm the largo number of unemployed soldiers in certain parts of the Empire, especially in the .Mother Country, and calls for the immediate fulfilment of the pledges given to the men who served in the war. The conference earnestly prays that the Conference of Empire Premiers in June will give immediate and close attention to the solution of the problem and the prompt repatriation of ex-servicemen.” In the discussion the delegates pointed out the difficulties of getting large numbers of men re established, and to the work already done by Earl Haig and various associations in that direction. Mr Dyett (Australia) urged the special difficulties under which Great Britain was labouring, and moved that the words “especially in the Mother Country” be deleted. Mr Leadley said that New Zealand appreciated Britain’s difficulties, but contended that she ought to have done more for tho ex-servicemen. For the sake of unanimity he accepted the amendment, and the resolution was carried. CARE OF IMPERIAL SOLDIERS. CAPETOWN, March 2. The Ex-servicemen’s Conference resolved to recommend the appointment of a liaison officer for each dominion for the care of

Imperial ex-soldiers, such officers to cooperate with the dominion organisations. The committee suggested titles for the organisation in the following order of preference : Comrades of the British Empire, British Legion of Comrades, British Empire Federation of Comrades. The conference finally decided that the name should be the British Empire Service League. The policy of the organisation will be national, non-sectarian, and nonpartisan. In relation to party politics its objects will be to follow the lines of the present organisations. The headquarters will be In London, and a biennial conference will be held. NEXT CONFERENCE IN AUSTRALIA. CAPETOWN, March 4. The Ex-Service Men’s Conference agreed to the motion of Mr Dyett (Australia) that the next conference should be held in Australia in 1923, to synchronise with Earl Haig’s visit. If Earl Haig is unable to visit Australia, the conference will ne held in England or Canada. Mr Knight (New Zealand) moved a motion of appreciation of the Mother Country’s hospitality to dominion soldiers during the war, and this was carried enthusiastically. The Priuce of Wales was appointed first patron, and Earl Haig president of the Ex-servicemen’s Conference.