JONES, David Glynne

Family Name:

Jones

Given Names:

David Glynne

Gender:

Male

Birth-date:

Unknown, probably 1950

Death-date:

Unknown

Marital Status:

Unknown, probably single

Age:

20 years of age

Location:

NSW, Glebe

Occupation:

University Student

Primary Motivation:

Draft Resister, Anti-Conscription

Reason for Court Appearance:

Unknown, possibly refusal to attend the medical examination

Court Name and Location:

Unknown, Sydney

Court Hearing Date:

12 May 1971

Court Outcome:

Convicted and fine $40 plus $12 costs

Military Event:

National Service and Vietnam War 1964-1972

Further Information:

David Jones was an Engineering Student at Sydney University, and was from Glebe, a suburb of Sydney. David was a Quaker and a pacifist to war. As such he would probably have been given full exemption from all military duties under the Labour and National Service Act 1964 (NSA) if he applied to be registered as a conscientious objector. Instead, he chose not to comply with the NSA. He was required to register for the January 1970 army intake of conscripts, he did not. During February 1970 he wrote to Minister Snedden who had Federal responsibility for national service. He informed the Minister why he would not register and the reasons for his non-compliance. He stated, Since before National Service was introduced in its present form, I have held strong pacifist beliefs. These beliefs have been greatly influenced by my association with the Quakers-I have been a member of the Society of Friends for more than seven years. Until about two years ago, I was quite sure that I would register for National Service as a conscientious objector. David then explained why he was a pacifist, These objections stem from a belief both in the uniqueness of every individual and in a spirit or inner self which is part of every person-often spoken of my Quakers as ‘that of God in every man’. To take the life of another person denies the existence of this common spirit and prevents any possibility of creating, understanding, through this spirit, between persons on opposing sides of the conflict. Yet, this understanding is vital to the attainment of a mutually and lasting solution to the conflict. By its very nature war prevents this understanding both between individuals and between nations. David then explained to the Minister why he did not exercise the option of applying for exemption as a conscientious objector under the NSA, Were I to register as a conscientious objector I would be tacitly acknowledging the Government’s right to conscript other 20-year-old men for military service…I wish to make it clear that I do not regard the breaking of the law lightly-but to comply with an Act which I consider to be immoral would be totally inconsistent with my belief in acting in accordance with one’s conscience.

During August/ September 1970, David wrote a letter to the editor of the newsletter, The Peacemaker, of the Federal Pacifist Council of Australia. It was published. His concern was about some actions undertaken by some draft resisters. He instanced the raising of clinched fists in a court room. He was concerned that this would make the general public less sympathetic to the non-compliers’ cause. He stated, It is also of extreme importance that actions be non-violent both physically and psychologically; otherwise the way is open for the government to gain increased public support and sympathy…More important than this, the government is handed the justification for even more oppressive legislation…That is the only way that non-compliers can succeed in having the National Service Act repealed. On 12 May 1971 David was fined $70 with $12 cost for a breach of the NSA. He probably refused to attend the mandatory medical examination. It is unknown if David experienced any further interactions with the authorities. The NSA was suspended in early December 1972 by the newly elected Whitlam Labor Government.

Confirmatory Sources:

Peacemaker, March/April 1970, p.7; May/ June 1970, p.1; August/ September 1970, p.2; May/ June/ July/ August 1971, p.12.