NATIONAL, NOT MERELY MILITARY, SERVICE TO BE CONSIDERED

Wanganui Chronicle, 4 May 1948, Page 5

NATIONAL, NOT MERELY MILITARY, SERVICE TO BE CONSIDERED

Mr. Fraser Stresses Importance Of Defence Of New Zealand

(P.A.) Dunedin, May 3., During his address to the Labour i Party conference today, the Prime I Minister (Mr. Fraser) stated that the country had obligations to the United I Nations in regard to the provision of I armed forces proportionately to its! population and resources. New Zea-1 land also had responsibilities as a! member of the British Common-] wealth of Nations, to which it wasi completely and willingly an integralresponsibile part in peace and in war. The defence of New Zealand itself, and the Pacific situation was the Government’s first responsibility. Defence matters had been discussed with representatives of the United Kingdom and Australian Governments and question of national military service

would be brought before the country. Questions of what efficient defence forces were necessary in the light of modern scientific developments, or whether such defence requirements could be met effectively on a purely voluntary basis, to what extent national, not merely military, service goes, what would be the effect of national service on industry; were some of the questions that the Government, Parliament, and, ultimately, the people, would have to consider; It was not a time for panic decisions, but for calm judgment and an accurate appraisal of the facts. There was no country on earth more worthy of defence, and adequately defended it must be.