"In the first place, we have a method of calling up classes. With each batch we are taking a quota of volunteers. Since the beginning of the war, we have taken, or are in the process of taking, into the army nearly 50,000 volunteers.
"In September, it happened that we took in twice as many volunteers as militiamen, The volunteers have been of all military ages, and this should dispose of the supposition that we are confining entry into one army to young men of the first age groups.
"There is no dearth of ability in the ranks. The lookout for talent is continuous. In this army, a star is within every private soldier's reach. None, however humble or exalted his birth, need be afraid that his military virtues will remain unrecognized."
Mr. Here-Belisha revealed that in the last six weeks he had taken 2,000 officers from the reserve's register, and announced that the women of the Auxiliary Territorial Service were already 20,000 strong, ahd were about to augment their members and extend their invaluable service in replacement of their brothers in arms.
Openings for Older Men The War Minister outlined two new openings for older men.
"We propose," he said, "to form home defence battalions. Each one will be a battalion of its county regiment, ahd will be composed of officers and other ranks now serving in national defence companies; officers and other ranks found permanently or tetnporarily unfit for service overseas; officers and other ranks awaiting drafting; and young soldiers not that available by age for service in the theatre of operations, "It will be possible for some older ex-officers and men to be absorbed in these battalions.
"Britain is incomparably stronger financially than Germany. She has a gold reserve of over, £ 500,000,000, whereas Germany has hardly any gold reserve at all, and Britain has foreign investments totalling £3,500,- 000, whereas Germany has none.
"Without exporting anything at all, Britain could pay for imports of goods and raw materials for at least 18 months, whereas Germany has only enough foreign exchange to pay for imports for two months.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.