Military Conscription

This is one promise the Labour Government has carried out. And it is an instructive case to study. Over the last decade our youth has seen the frightful spectacle of imperialist aggression in Vietnam. The result has been the growth of a profound anti-war movement among them. This did not stop at pacifism or 18 year olds registering as objectors. It developed to widespread anti-war activity—petitions, demonstrations, reaching even to active disruption of the ballot, and the first youth entering jail.

No Government could have countered this, short of imposing fascism. In the United States also—which certainly has no Labour Government the first opportunity has been seized to abolish the draft.

But Labour has replaced conscription with a free hand for the brass hats to bribe and trick youth into exactly the same set-up. Thousands of dollars are spent on inducing youth to enrol. Apart from high pay, the lures of adventure, action, travel, education in trade and other skills are used. Never is the purpose extolled. Because the purpose is the same as before—not defence of New Zealand but suppression in Asia. The "enemy" is presented as an Asian operating among his own people, not an invader with superior air power. Thus there has been no change in the aim to militarise our youth for imperialist war. OHMS should continue the fight to halt military service completely.