As advocates for many years of the principle of compulsion,
we should like to add our assurance that, did we think the present Bill could by any possibility lead to any system by which men could be forced to work at their trades at Army pay, or indeed at any other low scale, we would have nothing to do with the measure. By upholders of the National Service League, among whom we are proud to count ourselves, not only has the idea of industrial compulsion never been enter- tained, but the greatest care and anxiety have been expressed lest any scheme of compulsion adopted should be open to such a charge. Compulsion must be absolutely and strictly limited to defending one's country in arms, and in addition, of course, training for that purpose. Strong safeguards against any abuse, or even appearance of abuse, of the Act will be welcomed by all advocates of National Service.
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