THE BRITISH ARMY.

Auckland Star, Volume 55, Issue 64, 15 March 1924, Page 7

THE BRITISH ARMY.

PERSONNEL AND EQUIPMENT. RECRUITING REMAINS POOR. NO 1924 MANOEUVRES. (Received 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, March 14. In the House of Commons, moving the Army Estimates, Mr. Stephen Walsli (Secretary for War) explained that the estimates were prepared by the previous Government, but he was satisfied they were framed with due regarcl for economy and the needs of the country. He declared that if the German menace had disappeared, it must be remembered that ■ distant possessions cannot be left defenceless. Mr. Walsh declared that there was no sign of improvement in recruiting. The policy of substituting machines for man power required a highly equipped research department, which should be one of the finest it is possible to organise. He appealed to employers to facilitate employees joining the territorials. There will be no army mantcuvrcs during 1924, but a short period of interdivisional operations. Britain is attracting a higher type of intelligence in the Army, and a high state of discipline, which enabled the detention barracks at Devonport and Colchester to be closed. The difficulties we had to contend with in Egypt, Iraq, India, and the East would not at present warrant a decrease in the strength of the Army. A motion relative to pensions and grievances of certain ranker officers -was defeated by 220 votes to 201. — (Reuter.)