There is no intention of either moving to conscription or introducing even a compulsory National Register, semi-official quarters here stated yesterday. They asserted that Signor Mussolini's speech yesterday norning had eased rather than further embittered the international situation. If important political changes do occur or an emergency be considered imminent, the various aspects of conscription would probably be reviewed once again. Other steps such as inviting the Opposition to participate in a National Government, might then be taken According to well-informed private sources, the problem of conscription remains the chief preoccupation of the Cabinet.
Lord Halifax, the Foreign Secretary, was stated to be absolutely in favour of conscription and has succeeded to a certain extent in converting the Prime Minister, Mrs. Neville Chamberlain, to his views. Sir Samuel Hoare and Sir John Simon, respectively Home Minister and Chancellor of the totally opposed to emphasizing there are no precedents of a Government having triumphed at elections after having either instituted new or prolonged old periods of military service.
These preoccupations with electoral questions have so far prevented the Government from taking a definite decision either way, it was said.
It was understood that the Imperial Defence Committee, during its last session, pronounced itself in favour of a certain form of compulsory military service which would not be conscription. The Labour Party refuses any form of compulsory service under the Chamberlain Government.
A definite Government decision on this important question. informed circles concluded, will depend upon the development of international affairs and the increase or decrease of danger of war.—Havas.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.