Reading between the lines of the debate, with all its
rhetoric and intermittent defiance, and not forgetting the loud cheers which greeted Mr. Smillie'a threat of organized
resistance, we confidently predict that if the Government resort to compulsion the Trade Union leaders will not be found in revolt. Meanwhile all we ask for is calm discussion. Let the supporters of National Service show, if they can—and we firmly believe they can—that the vast majority of the nation will accept the obligation of compulsion joyfully as the fairest method, the most democratic method, and the quickest method of ending the war. We must recognize at
the same time that the position of the National Government must not be shaken. It is the only Government for us.
could not again go through the perils of reconstructing a Government which would certainly be less able than the one we have now. We are content to accept the judgment of Lord Kitchener about compulsion. We cannot see the least prospect of the supporters of National Service splitting the nation if their advocacy is kept on these lines, as we hope and believe it will be, If the movement turned into an attack on the Government or an intrigue against Lord Kitchener, it would instantly fail, and would thoreughly deserve to fail.
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