“JAPANESE COULD HAVE N.Z.”
VIEWS OF OBJECTOR A man who said that he would be prepared to see the Japanese take over New Zealand just as the British had taken over the country from the Maoris had his appeal on conscientious grounds dismissed by the No. 6 Armed Forces Appeal Board at a sitting in Invercargill yesterday. He was Walter Alexander Excell, school teacher, of Maitland. The appellant, who described himself as an International Socialist, said that his appeal was not based on religious grounds. He was aged 30 and was married, with two children. Mr A. N. Haggitt (Crown representative): What would you do to protect your wife and children? The appellant: I would not do it by destroying other men’s wives and children. , , Do you think it proper that a man should protect his loved ones?—l believe it should be done by argument and reason. . . x - But if there is no opportunity tor argument and reason, what would you do?—I would not be prepared to join the military forces. Mr Haggitt: That is hardly an answer to the question. The only alternative to war is arbitration. The appellant: Then let us try for arbitration. , , , Mr Haggitt: But we are faced by aggressors. The appellant: You assume that they are aggressors. But suppose the Japanese came here, what would be your duty as a citizen. —I would just let them come. I would negotiate with them if possible, but if that failed they could take over the country just as we took over the country from the Maoris. And they would take over our wives and children as well and you would not lift a hand?—Not unless my emotions got the better of me. Have you notified the Education Department of your views?—No. Religion plays no part in your views? —No, they are based on humanitarianism and internationalism. The Japanese and Germans are just as good as we al Do you think the Japanese are entitled to come here and live with us if they want to?—Yes. Are you a Socialist?—Yes, an International Socialist.
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Southland Times, Issue 24862, 30 September 1942, Page 3
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345“JAPANESE COULD HAVE N.Z.” Southland Times, Issue 24862, 30 September 1942, Page 3
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