National Wisdom and Local Folly
By a not uninstructive coincidence two local authorities on Tuesday provided admirable examples of a just and sane, and an unjust and prejudiced, way of dealing with conscientious objectors. The Nottingham County Council decided that all objectors in its employ should be paid during the war at the same rate as private soldiers. That is fair, even though some of those concerned might have expected to become officers if they joined the army; no genuine objector would claim to gain a financial advantage by securing exemption. On the same day the York City Council passed by 27 votes to 19 a resolution providing for the instant dismissal, with pay in lieu of notice where the indi- vidual's contract so provided, of anyone who has been registered, or has appealed to a tribunal, as a conscientious objector. What this and similar action by other like bodies means is that muni- cipalities are setting themselves to defeat the clear intention of Parliament. The right of genuine conscientious objectors to ex- emption from military service was emphasised strongly and con- vincingly by Mr. Chamberlain when he was Prime Minister, and the House of Commons unhesitatingly concurred. The question was dealt with, as it should be, on a national scale, and tribunals Were set up with power to grant exemption in proper cases, either unconditionally or conditionally on the applicant doing some form of work of national importance. Both private em- Ployers and public bodies might well be content with those dis- Positions. The York City Council is not an inherently wiser body, and it has certainly not shown itself a more reasonable or tolerant body, than the House of Commons.
Previous page
