The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-04-26

pulSory from the outset, ne Salu "1itherto 1t has not been thought necessary in peace time.
 Peace Is Undermined
 "But when confidence in the maintenance of peace is being un- dermined, no one can pretend that this is peace time in any sense il1 which the term could be purely used.
 "There was another reason for re- considering the pledge given by me not to introduce conscription irl peace time." Chamberlain did not explain this reaSorl)
 He said that the government had cided to meet new and exceptional conditions "by the measure of com pulsory military service for the time being"
 Under the bill, Chamberlain said it would be necessary to call up cer- tain territorial and non-regular air force personnel to reinforce anti aircraft defenses during the present period of uneasiness,, which might be contained for considerable time.
 Training In England
 Training would be given in this country, Chamberlain announced but if war broke out, there would be the liability to serve abroad
 Chamberlain said provision would be made whereby individuals might anticipate or postpone their calling up if national interests permitted
 Conscientious objectors might be exempted by a tribunal If they un- dortook to do work of national i'm portance. He said the voluntary system would rSnain the basis o1 the three defense services ano special arrangements would be made to cover men who entered the navy or air force under the age of 20.
 Wealth Taxed Heavily
 Answering demands O. laborite' for the conscription of wealth Chamberlain pointed out tha' wealth has been largely conscribee already by taxation. In yesterdays record peace-time budget of $6,582,- 859, ,848, of which $2,949, ,975 GOO i for defense, "soak the rich" features appeared in the income and deatf tax surplus rates.
 However, Chamberlain said furth' CT steps would be taken to limi profits of firms mainly engaged II re-armament and the necessar. legislation would be introduced soon
 The ministeries, Chamberlaii went on, have exercised the greates care to see that only reasonabl profits are made but it was diff1cul to provide for all contingencies be forehand. He felt that in the case O armament firms, a definite limita tion Of profits was the only certaii method.
 If War Should Come
 eff war should come" he declared ''his majesty's government desire t' make 1t clear that at such a tim is not one when individuals shoul' make fortunes out of the condition created.
 "In the event of war, Legislation would be introduced imposing spe cial penalties for profiteering an providing that increases of profits o individual wealth should ze curtaile for the benefit of the state.
 "The proposals now made, lik other steps taken in marshalling ou defense, have been designed wit one object only. That was to enabl this country to carry out its en agreements in the belief that is tn best way to secure peace" Attlee Interjects Clement H. Attlee, labor leader interjected:
 "Is the prime minister awar that this decision breaks a pledg solemnly given to this country am reaffirmen only four weeks ago, tha compulsory military service woul' not be introduced in peace time? "Is he aware that it will increas the already widespread distrust c the prime minister and so far iron strengthening this country. will b sowing dividends in it's ranks? Thi departure from voluntary principl viii meet with strenuous opposi tion."
 Chamberlain Replied
 q am quite aware that my inter pretation of the pledge is open | argument but my own conscience is perfectly clear. believe tha when people have had time to con slider the circumstances in which W are living, they will agree with m that they cannot be described a peace time" Tn the house of lords, Viscoun Shell made a statement similar t Attlee's.
 Lord Shell, laborite, said the de cision was repudiation of the gov ernment's promise not to introduc conscription in any form in peac time or during the life of the pres ent parliament.
 Agrees To Debate
 In commons, Chamberlain agreet to laborite demands for debate.
 "The house will have an oppor tunity at the first possible niomen to debate the statement I hav' made" he said. He proposed to pu the motion on paper tonight ant devote tomorrow to discussion. Replies To Critics
 In reply to criticism by Sir Arch ibald Sinclair, liberal, of his failure to consult the opposition, Chamber lain said:
 q do not think he perhaps realizes how quickly events moved. Ther' was no time to do any more thar communicate the proposals to thu leader of the opposition this morn ing and also to members of the tradt union congress"
 John McGovern, laborite, asked:
 Can we take 1t that the prime
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