N.Z.'S DEFENCE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 186, 7 August 1936, Page 14

N.Z.'S DEFENCE.

MODERN FACILITIES.

NEED FULLY REALISED.

URGENT ACTION FAVOURED. i

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Thursday. An intimation that the Government was alive to-the seriousness of the international situation and to the need of modern and adequate defence facilities for the Dominion was. given by the Leader of the Legislative Council, the Hon. M. Fagan (Wellington) during a discussion in the Council this afternoon. The Hon. W. Perry (Wellington) moved the following motion, notice of which had been given previously: "That to enable New Zealand to fulfil the Empire and League of Nations' obligations it is essential that urgent action should be taken to bring up the country's defence forces to a strength commensurate with those obligations." "Empire in Deadly Peril." Mr, Perry said although he was no alarmist, the Empire was in ' deadly peril. The international situation was such as to give cause for the greatest apprehension. It appeared that international agreements were no longer sacred, and it might be said that the post-war era was an era of broken treaties. He traced the history of nations breaking away from the League of Nations, and said that owing to a weak Navy Britain's voice did not carry its former influence in securing peace. The mercantile marine was weak and history showed that empires had deteriorated by neglecting sea power, said Mr. Perry. Nations had discovered that Britain could be starved into submission, and that was a vulnerable point. Unless those gaps were repaired quickly the Empire was in grave peril.

He contended that New Zealand could help by providing a cruiser or submarines for the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy, and could also provide aeroplanes, or such parts as could be manufactured here. It was essential there should be a sufficiency of trained pilots. A citizen army could also be trained, and at least a medical corps could be trained and reserves of stores and equipment conserved. New Zealand should adopt a definite defence plan. Co-operation Essential. The Hon. F. Waite (Otago) seconded the motion. He said all desired peace. A dictatorship could move rapidly, but democracy moved slowly. There must be the fullest co-operation of the three services in New Zealand. The defence of the Dominion was Empire defence. It was the duty of New Zealand first to provide protection for communication lilies and overseas trade. The naval service was the only one that could be called efficient. New Zealand must co-operate with the other Dominions in the provision of an armed squadron at Singapore, making it impossible for an enemy to operate in the Pacific or Indian Oceans. Auckland and Wellington, with their docks, must be fully protected. A survey of transport was necessary. Aeroplanes should be adaptable for service. Motor lorries and tractors would provide mechanical transport, and firms might be subsidised to use lorries of a certain type. The Hon. D. Buddo (Canterbury) said any Government must consider the necessity of defence. The Hon. V. A. Ward (Wellington) said there must be unity of service as ' well as sentiment to maintain the ; Eni.pire. • System to be Reorganised. • The Hon. M. Fagan said it was the Government's intention to reorganise tlie swliole defence system so as to ensure that money would not be wasted, and the most modern means of defence provided. Greater attention would be given to the development of civil and military aviation, with special reference to the possibility."of converting civil into military aeroplanes. The Government at present was considering the advisability of establishing an Air Ministry and the 'training of an air personnel.

Tlie Government was in communication with the British authorities with the object of developing a general plan for the defence of the British Commonwealth in the event of war. It might be impossible for New Zealand to eenj troops and foodstuffs away. People could rest assured that the Government was fully aiive'to the seriousness of the situation.

Mr. I'cny said he was satisfied with the discus:ioi. and withdrew the mo^ijn