DEFENCE POLICY

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 67, Issue 17, 31 October 1946, Page 5

DEFENCE POLICY

DEBATE IN COMMONS DOMINIONS NOT NEGLECTED (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright.) (Rec. 12.20 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 30. Mr Attlee, opening the’ debate in the House of Commons on the proposed central defence organisation, said the Defence Committee, which would take over the functions of the old committee of Imperial defence, would be presided over by the Prime Minister. Its composition, said Mr Attlee, would be flexible. The Dominions Secretary would be kept in closest touch with all defence matters, and would attend all meetings which involved the defence of the Commonwealth as a whole affected Commonwealth interest. The committee would be purely advisory, but would have of decision.

Referring to suggestions that the Government’s proposals would deny to the Dominions their previous opportunities of exchanging information and views on defence matters, Mr Attlee said that nothing could be farther from the truth. The proposals were designed to increase thdse opportunities.

Mr Attlee said the Defence Minister would be assisted by a defence research policy committee, of which Sir Henry Tazard was appointed chairman. Defence arrangements have to be considered in relation to Britain’s and the Dominions’ respective obligations to the United Nations, and-in regional schemes that might be involved. “It is the earnest desire of the British Government to achieve the fullest co-operation in defence as in ether matters with the Dominion Governments. It is not a thing we can lay down. They are equal partners in the Commonwealth.