MR. HUQHES' BOOK.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 268, 12 November 1935, Page 6

MR. HUQHES' BOOK.

APPEAL TO AUSTRALIA.

Seldom docs the publication of a book by a Cabinet Minister lead to a peremptory demand for his resignation. When the Minister concerned is an experienced statesman, who was formerly Prime Minister of the Commonwealth and a member of the Imperial Cabinet, the circumstances of. hie virtual diemissal from office are certain to result in abnormal curiosity concerning the contents of his book. This Mr. Hughes will certainly regard as consolation, for the book is an appeal to his fellow Australians and he could deairo nothing more for it than a wide circulation. What has Mr. Hughes to say? Briefly, he tells his countrymen that ae things are in the world to-day, "the clash of interests, of ideals, of policies, of nice, is daily becoming more violent, more irreconcilable"; Europe ie 'Hike a field of dry etubblc needing only a spark to set it ablaze"; and Australia cannot depend to the same extent ae formerly on the protection of the British Navy, but must take all possible steps to ensure her own safety. He looke beyond the present crisis in Europe, and endeavours to ehow what lessons should be learned from it and from past history. He holds the view that only minor international disputes can be settled by arbitration, and that there are some great questions which no nation (unless it is unable to defend its own interests) will even submit to any tribunal for adjudication. "When thena is a conflict of ideals, of rights, of claims, who is to decide which ideal shall bo realised, which right enforced, which claim granted?" Tho League of Nations? Mr. Hughes says the League has a record of good work well done, but ite members arc willing to do everything to uphold it except the one thing without which the League is "a lath painted to look like iron." They will not support its decisions with military force. Therefore every nation must look to its own defences. And this is realised in Europe, but not yet in Australia. The state of Australia's defences Mr. Hughes regards as lamentably weak. Ho points out with much force that before the Anglo-Japanese alliance was terminated Australia had a relatively strong naval force. Now, when Japan is no longer an ally, and tho British Navy is seriously weaker than before, Australia.'*! defences consist of a naval force of six ships, a permanent military force of 1570, the militia, which has an official strength of 27,078, and a real strength considerably lower, and an air force of 85 'planes, which number is to be increased by 69 next year. Strong Air Force Advocated. "A navy strong enough to defend Australia, even when it was co-operating with the China, East India and Xew Zealand squadron*, is far beyond our resources/' Mr. Hughes concludes, "but an effective air force is not." He urges that the Commonwealth must have a force overwhelmingly superior in numbers, and at least equal in speed, endurance and armament to that of any possible attacker. That force, in his opinion, should certainly number at least 300 'planes. In building up such a force the personnel and aircraft engaged in commercial Hying should be utilised. A special subsidy could be granted to machines complying with military requirements as to speed, air endurance, etc., and pilots could be enrolled in an air reserve force. The aircraft should bo built in .' ustralia. Supporting the professional air force there should be a citizen force. whjch could be easily recruited. Broadly. Mr. Hhghes' contention is that the present policy of the States within the League is illogical, misleading and dangerous, for they refuse to give the League that support which would ensure the security of all nations and at the same time they jieglect to make adequate provision for their own protection. Upon this, comment may be that the present League crisis has not ended (perhaps is only beginning), and it is too early to say that the League's policy will not prevail. If it does prevail, the League will be greatly strengthened, and its members will be encouraged io improve its collective procedure in the light of experience. But Mr. Hughes would be entitled to point out that Britain, the foremost defender of the Covenant, herself proposes to cinlmrk on a large programme to strengthen her armed forces.