CITIZEN OF EIRE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVIII, Issue 21817, 21 November 1940, Page 4

CITIZEN OF EIRE

Objection To Military Service CONSCIENTIOUS GROUNDS By Telegraph—Press Association AUCKLAND, November 20. A statement that he objected to serving with the armed forces on the ground that he was a citizen of the neutral State of Eire was made by W. Coleman, a carpenter, when his case came before the Auckland Area Manpower Committee. Coleman made this statement in answer to a question by the chairman, Mr Anderson, saying that he was appealing on that ground and not on the ground of conscientious objection. Mr Anderson; You do not object then to service with the armed forces? Coleman: Yes I do. Mr Anderson: But you just said your appeal was on the ground of neutrality. Coleman then agreed with Mr Anderson that he had added the ground of neutrality “in the nature of evidence” supporting an appeal based on conscientious objection. “I could not get a solicitor to take up the case,” . he said. “I want to get in touch with the Minister of External Affairs in Eire.” On the reservist again giving assurance that his appeal was based on conscientious grounds, Mr Anderson pointed out that the committee had no power to deal with the matter which would be referred to the Armed Forces Appeal Board. Coleman: Can you give me permission to get in touch with the Government of Eire? Mr Anderson: We have no more power to deal with the matter. “We cannot and do not intend to take the matter any further,” MrAnderson reiterated when the reservist made reference to "international law.”