The papers of Friday week contained a recruiting announce- ment
by Lord Derby repeating and emphasizing the substance of the statement which Mr. Asquith made in the House of Commons on November 2nd. "The Prime Minister on that occasion," says Lord Derby, " pledged not only himself but his Government when he stated that if young men did not, under the stress of national duty, come forward voluntarily, other and compulsory means would be taken before the married men were called upon." Lord Derby continues :—
" Lord Derby is further authorized to state definitely that if young men medically fit and not indispensable to any business of national importance, or to any business conducted for the general good of the community, do not come forward voluntarily before
November 30, the Government will after that date take the necessary steps to redeem the pledge madam November 2. . . . Whether a man is indispensable or not to his business will be decided, not by the man or his employer,, but by competent authorities and tribunals."
Previous page
