STRONG DEFENCE

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 95, 24 April 1939, Page 8

STRONG DEFENCE

MAN-POWER NEEDED PRIME MINISTER'S APPEAL VITAL DECISIONS SOON The revelation that he has asked the Military Comman what use he could make of 50,000 men—for the defence of I\_ Zealand—was outstanding in a statement made by the Prime Minister on his arrival in Auckland this morning. Great satisfaction with the results of the conference on Pacific defence, which opened in Wellington on Friday, April 14, and is now holding its concluding sittings, was expressed by the Prime Minister, v "The conference has come fully up to my expectations and has done invaluable work in showing how the defence system of New Zealand should be developed to meet our growing requirements," said Mr. Savage. If conscription became necessary because of unforeseen circumstances the Government would not begin with the conscription of manhood, stated the Prime Minister, but with the resources and wealth of the Dominion. The Government would not allow anyone to make profits of the Dominion's necessities. A glowing tribute was paid by Mr. Savage to officers and personnel in the Air Force. "We have the best material offering in this or any other country," he said, "and the British Government cannot get enough young New Zealanders to join the Royal Air Force. It will take any number offering who can pass the tests."