OUR IMMINENT DANGER

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 35, 11 February 1942, Page 6

OUR IMMINENT DANGER

We are thinking seriously and talking about many things that are important — very important — but to-day, when we can no longer rely upon Singapore as a barrier to Japanese invasion, all these things that appeared vital then, and were of the utmost importance then, simply fade into insignificance now we are face to face with the likelihood of invasion. I do not regret one man or one gun that we have sent abroad for the defence of Great Britain, Egypt and the Pacific, for at that time our line of defence was in those places. To-day conditions are entirely different. Singapore, our traditional defence against Japan, is no longer available as a base for the navy. All our present thoughts appear to be directed towards slit trench protection for civilians. A civilian casualty list is of little real account when compared with the military defence of the country. If we wish to save our country from invasion, New Zealand must be defended by an efficient army, and it must be prepared now. A division fully equipped with tanks, bombers, fighters, and all the modern appurtenances of war must be established quickly in each island or we will be too late for all except mutual recriminations. The people of this country must speak with one voice on the subject of our adequate defence in this imminent danger. M. G. C. McCAUL.

Past President, Wellington Chamber of Commerce; Past President, Associated Chambers of Commerce.