§ 51 and 52. Mr. Zilliacusasked the Minister of Defence (1) whether he will allow National Service men to object on grounds of conscience to serving in military operations which they believe are being conducted in disregard of the United Nations Charter;
(2) whether, in view of the Government's announced intention to employ British forces against subversion, whether overtly Communist or ostensibly nationalist, in the territories of other countries, he will recognise the right of National Service men to object on conscientious grounds to serving in military operations of this character.
§ Mr. SandysI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Eton and Slough (Mr. Brockway) on 21st November last.
§ Mr. ZilliacusDoes that mean that the Government recognise this right or not? Are the Government aware that there is strong feeling about this among young people called upon to serve, and that if they register conscientious objections they will have overwhelming support from public opinion?
§ Mr. SandysThe hon. Member can form his own view about public opinion.
§ 53. Mr. Zilliacusasked the Minister of Defence whether, in view of the fact that the military service Acts of Belgium, France and the Netherlands exempt conscripts from service in colonial wars or police actions unless they volunteer, he will grant similar exemption to National Service men.
§ Mr. SandysNo, Sir.
§ Mr. ZilliacusDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that this means that the Government claim to make men kill or be killed for purposes that have nothing to do with national defence, and that they thereby show less respect for human rights than the old conscriptionist countries?