CONSCRIPTION IN KENYA

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19122, 17 September 1936, Page 14

CONSCRIPTION IN KENYA

ALL WHITE MEN IN FORCE NATIVE BATTALIONS NAIROBI, July 17., Compulsory membership of an nuxiliaty force for all European ablebodied men over 18 is recommended by a Government Committee which has been considering Colonial Oftieo proposals for internal defence reorganisation.

The only function of this auxiliary force would be in the case of a sudden emergency to act oil the instructions of the Governor until Government forces arrived to take control. The committee, which was appointed in March to consider proposals contained in a despatch from Mr. J. 11. Thomas, who was then Colonial Secretary, has drawn up a most comprehensive plan, embracing the use of all European man-power. The plan has four main features: — 1. The establishment of a volunteer Kenya territorial regiment; 2. An auxiliary force which all able-bodied men over 18 would be compelled to join;

3. State subsidies for rifle clubs to encourage proficiency; and 4. School cadet corps.

The main purpose of the volunteer territorial regiment is to train oilieers and instructors to staff new native battalions which will be raised in the event of a threat of external aggression.

All forces will be dovetailed into the regular establishment, the whole being under the command of the officer in charge of the King’s African Exiles.