BRITISH ACTION HASTENED

Southland Times, Issue 23815, 12 May 1939, Page 5

BRITISH ACTION HASTENED

COMPULSORY ARMY TRAINING “PROCEEDINGS WATCHED IN OTHER QUARTERS” (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright) (Received May 11, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, May 10. The Prime Minister (Mr Neville Chamberlain), in the House of Commons, moving the time-table motion to expedite the Compulsory Military Training Bill, said that the proceedings were being watched closely in other quarters. Anything appearing dilatory might be most discouraging to their European friends. Even if the Bill were passed according to the time-table, the first militiamen could not begin framing until the beginning of July. In committee during the discussion on the amendment excluding Northern Ireland, Mr J. Anstruther-Gray asked for an assurance that youths from Eire would not be permitted to work in the United Kingdom without military training. He urged that all Dominions’ youths should not be permitted to be employed in the United Kingdom unless militarily trained here or in their own Dominions. Lieutenant-Commander P. G. Agnew said that the amendment compelled the Dominions’ men to register unless they could prove that they were not ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom. It should be clarified whether the Dominions’ men coming for a three years professional course were obliged to register. • The amendment was carried by 261 votes to 21, Ulster members opposing it. The Evening Standard says that conscription will apply to men living in foreign countries, but they may receive special consideration. It 'will not apply to men living in the Dominions or other British territory.

UNION OPPOSED TO CONSCRIPTION BIRMINGHAM ENGINEERS AFFECTED (Received May 11, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, May 10. The Birmingham section of the Amalgamated Engineering Union, which has a membership of 35,000, is opposing conscription, and is considering advising its members to refuse to serve. The decision at present affects only 1200 Birmingham members.