As regards compulsion, Lord Haldane said
" There has been no unwillingness to respond, and so far we see no reason to anticipate a breakdown of the voluntary system. I wish to add this. By the common law of this country it is the duty of every subject of the realm to assist the Sovereign in repelling the invasion of its shores and in defence of the realm. That is a duty which rests on no statute, but is inherent in our Constitution. Compulsory service is not foreign to the Consti- tution of the country, and in a great national emergency it might be necessary to resort to it. A magnificent response is being made to our appeal. It gives us, after all, men who to a certain extent are picked men. They come because of their enthusiasm, and they are better than the dead level produced by compulsory service. Therefore it is with reluctance we should be compelled to take any other course ; but in time of national necessity every consideration meet give way to the safety of the machinery."
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