CONSCRIPTION BILL

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 84, Issue 179, 1 August 1940, Page 6

CONSCRIPTION BILL

OPPOSITION IN U.S. ARMY’S CHIEF SUPPORT Received July 31, 6.10 p.m. WASHINGTON. July 30 The Army Chief-of-Staff, General George C. Marshall, told the Senate Military Committee that it would be absolutely impossible to build up the army to its essential strength without conscription. General Marshall appeared before the committee shortly after Republican.? had sidetracked action on the Conscription Bill by demanding that President Roosevelt should declare nimself fqr or against th.? measure, it was one of several manifestations of opposition to the Bill in its present form. General Marshall said: “We are trying to do in time of peace what, is always left until a time of war. I said a time of peace, but it is my belief that it is a time of peril. It would be a crime to send out our men unprepared.”

BELIEF IN COMPULSORY UNIVERSAL SERVICE

STATEMENT BY ROOSEVELT. Received July 31, 9.5 p.m. WASHINGTON, July 31. Mr. Roosevelt reiterated his belief in compulsory universal service as the Senate Military Committee unanimously approved his request for authority to mobilise the National Guard Reserve for a year’of intensive training. Mr. Roosevelt said the situation today was not analogous to that of 1917, when they had sent troops abroad trained. “Then there was security for the country; now it depends on having trained, seasoned soldiers in adej quate numbers when needed," he said.