ANTI-WAR MEETINGS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 31, 6 February 1935, Page 8

ANTI-WAR MEETINGS

RETURNED SOLDIERS’ VIEWS. A CLAIM CHALLENGED. [ Par Prana Awociinon, ] WELLINGTON, Feb. 5. A statement issued by the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association iu connection with the recent anti war meetings says that ex servicemen who claimed to represent 3000 men definitely supporting the movement’s programme only spoke lor a very small percentage of the New Zealand returned soldiers. It. was unlikely that 10 per cent, of the 3000 alluded to have discussed the proposals or have even had au opportunity of thoroughly discussing other than the broadest possible views on the great and most vital problem of no more war. “The problem has been given eon sideration by the Dominion Council of the New Zealand U.S.A., and its decision has not; been lightly arrived at. Similarly, the Brjtish Empire Service League, which met in Melbourne in November, and which acts on behalf of active members totalling over 9,000,000 of those who served in the Great War, has also definitely stated its position. Clearly and plainly ex servicemen of the Allied or late enemy detest war and the thought of more war. They feel that the problem is so huge and intricate that as loyal organisations they should not participate in any controversy, but have confidence in the general public, of the world to remember the horrors and hardships of the. last great conflagration and impress upon the leaders of the nations the imperative necessity of every endeavour being made to avoid armed con flirt. ’ ’