The subject of universal training for young men of eighteen years and over has been brought into the limelight with the outbreak of the Korean "affair." In Canada this question is somewhat more difficult to solve than in other countries such as the U.S. In this country we have ardent supporters for both pro and con, and the situation is further complicated by the problem of Quebec.
However, there seems to be little doubt that in Canada a majority of our people would support some program of training in the light of world conditions. The fact that the U.S. holds the greatest power also should make Candians more willing to see a program of preparation put into effect. This must, in fact, be done if we are are not to become a satellite country of the U.S. and be forced to follow its immature and blundering path of blind politics. As it is now, if war should break out on a world-wide scale, it would be necessary to depend largely on the U.S. for Canada's protection. Once under the military wing of the U.S., it would indeed be hard to retain our Canadian values.
The extreme left in Canadian politics undoubtedly has a following which is opposed to any form of military training. This would create difficulties in putting such a plan into operation, but on the whole Canadians appear to realize the necessity of this course of action.
Since a great many College men would naturally be affected by a military training program, let us see what some of their opinions are.
Most of the men we spoke to on this question favour military training in varying degrees. Andy Cochrane, for example, believes a plan is necessary but that there should be some way to enable the men to be sure of getting jobs when the training is through. The C.O.T.C. contingent in the College also approves of the institution of military training in Canada.
On the other hand, Dick Chester disapproves of the idea on the grounds that war is unnecessary, and hence military training is wasteful of time and money besides fostering a warlike spirit among youth. Agreeing with Dick is Robert Young, who feels that military training disrupts the ideas and life of the men undergoing it.
Our president, Ken MacKay, feels that military training is not really good, but is necessary at the present time.
Opposed to this, Aluin Gilchrist believes that "hate, fear, suspicion and distrust are arising on both sides of the present international struggle. Let Canada, U.S.A., Britain throw their arms, at least 95% of them, into the nearest ocean. I prophesy that if Stalin did not die of a heart attack, we should have a permanent peace thereafter."
These are just some of the opinions prevalent in the College. But they represent the two main ideas on the subject.
As a conclusion, let us remember that in the long view, no nation has avoided war with a conqueror merely by having no army and professing peaceful intentions; and also, no nation has avoided war merely by having a strong army but doing nothing else to preserve peace. Neither military action nor inaction alone has, will, or can bring peace.
Pat Thomas for The Martlet, February 5, 1951, p.3. (Arc LH3 M3a)
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