Demobilisation Procedure
Mr. Bevin issued a statement on Tuesday repudiating certain reports relating to his demobilisation plans. He added that "at the appropriate moment " the Government will announce its plans and take steps to see that the men and women in the Forces are fully advised. There should be nothing to prevent a statement new of the broad principles which will be applied ; and, indeed, since already industry ought to be making its preparations for peace, these should be made known as soon as possible. Mr. Bevin has himself stated that in priorities for demobilisation length of service will be a determining factor. But it would clearly be unwise in the extreme to make it in all cases the governing factor. It is essential that at an early date key-personnel for the mines, for building, and for teach- ing in schools should be released irrespective of length of servo; but if this is granted it at once becomes obvious that men and women in these categories would only get early demobilisation on the definite condition that they took up the employment for which they were required. The end of the war in Europe will mean many chant in industry ; some essential works will become superfluous, others will continue. Ilkat will be the principles governing the /tic° of some persons from essential work, and the direction of others into it? Until we know more about the procedure it is irnpossibk to make full progress with urgent plans for peace. Therefore, as SO as the principles of demobilisation are decided on they should it once be made known.
Previous page
