DEFENCE

Southland Times, Issue 23818, 16 May 1939, Page 4

DEFENCE

To The Editor Sir,—lt is pleasing to note the enthusiasm for some form of home defence. Some welcome the agitation as an excuse for a defence loan which doubtless will be used to meet several of the embarrassing commitments incurred through extravagance in attempting communism. Others welcome the agitation as a means of expressing their political bitterness, while others are legitimately concerned with the evident lack of defence. However, the Crown must reserve to itself, and to itself alone, the right and privilege of controlling the various defence arms, military, naval and air. The Defence Department is the sole institution for the

control of defence, and until such time as it is proved incompetent or asks for outside aid all action beyond agitation in military matters must be viewed with the gravest suspicion. No one will question the loyalty of certain organized groups who are at present dabbling in militant matters, but it must be admitted that a very dangerous precedent is being set when any organized group outside the Crown exists for the sole reason of coercing the Crown or a State department, into any action. In all civil or political matters such action is general practice and accounts for the existence of all unions, but no country can ever allow any part of its defence to become the plaything of sectional or of vested, interests. Any section dr organized group might act on imagined persecution and might exhibit such enthusiasm for defence that the very safety of the Crown might be endangered, more especially if the group consists of persons among whom the “Oath of Allegiance” is not popular. Whatever our political opinions we must abide by the decision of the majority and rely on the intelligence and ability of those who lead and constitute a State department. Otherwise we must expect our motives to be misunderstood. I am in sympathy with the aims of the Defence League, but I am of the opinion that a very dangerous precedent is being set and one which the country will regret in time to come. Before any group can be listened to or have any semblance of authority, every member of that group should be made to’swear the “Oath of Allegiance” lest his militant enthusiasm should be misconstrued. 'A political party would do well to ensure that its leaders and most influential members realize the object of their allegiance and publicly take the oath to the Crown.—Yours, etc., J. TROTTER, JUN. May 10, 1939.