It is a rather curious fact that as each new
age group is called up the proportion of conscientious objectors grows steadily smaller. Among the " 28's," called up last Saturday, it was less than in any previous groups. That may be due to any one of three reasons, or perhaps to all three combined. Conscientious objection is the fruit of a divided—often a tragically divided—mind and divided loyalties, and maturer thought may undermine rather than confirm it. Secondly, as the war has developed, it has revealed itself more and more decisively as war in defence of our homes and our liberties with- out the smallest conceivable suspicion of an aggressive element. Thirdly, a study of the proceedings before the tribunals—though in the main they have discharged their difficult task fairly—may have made recruits increasingly reluctant to appear before them. The fact, at any rate, is of some interest, whatever the explanation.
* * * *
Previous page
