Defence Policy

Press, Volume LXXXIIi, Issue 25214, 19 June 1947, Page 6

Defence Policy

The Prime Minister’s remarks to the annual conference of the New Zealand Returned Services’ Association on service for national defence remind the public that New Zealand has yet to adopt a post-war defence policy. Government spokesmen have explained the delay by the need to wait till the Dominion’s military commitments under the United Nations Charter are defined and till a system of Empire defence is agreed upon. There was a warning in the Speech from the Throne at the opening of the last session of Parliament that these commitments may be heavy—that New Zealand must accept “ a greater proportion “ of responsibility in Commonwealth *’ defence than has been accepted *' hitherto Claiming a vital interest in the Pacific, New Zealand must be prepared to assume the responsibilities, military no less than any other, connoted by it. Under the Act of Canberra, moreover, New Zealand has specific commitments to enter into a joint plan with Australia for the defence of an arc of islands running from the north of Australia to Samoa and the Cook Islands. Australia’s permanent defence programme was announced at the

[beginning of this month. It proI vides for a naval force of one squadron, including two light aircraftcarriers, two cruisers, six destroyers, and three frigates as well as many auxiliary vessels; a permanent army of one brigade group, includ- [ ing three infantry battalions, an armoured unit and fixed defences; a militia force of two field infantry divisions, one armoured brigade group, a corps unit, and fixed defences; and an air force of 16 squadrons, comprising 144 aircraft, 439 reserve machines, and 698 training and other machines. The construction of a naval base at Manus Island in the Admiralty Group, which may be used also by the United States Navy, is part of the defence plan. The cost of the whole** defence scheme is estimated at £250,000,000 over a period of five years. The demands on manpower will also be substantial—l4,7s3 men for the navy, 19,000 for the standing army, 50,000 for the militia, and 12,625 for fche air force. The intention is to man all the services with volunteers, and the militia training will consist of 14 days in camp each year with an additional 12 to 24 days’ home training. Last September Brigadier F. L. Hunt, Adjutant-General of the New Zealand Military Forces, said that plans for the post-war army in New Zealand were being prepared. He added that, although the foundations were there, complete plans could not be put forward until the Government announced its defence policy in line with policy in other parts of the Empire. A decision on the future of New Zealand’s defence forces will not be easy to take. It may need a compromise between w’hat is theoretically desirable and what a very small population makes practicable. Even at the best it will mean a heavy drain on labour resources already inadequate for the country’s rapidly expanding industry. The Prime Minister, in his remarks to the Returned Services’ Association, gave a broad hint that he, at least, would not be averse to conscription if it should be “ essen- “ tial ” and “ beneficial ”. But he carefully avoided giving an indication of Government policy, either on defence plans or on methods of manning the services. It is a little disturbing that Mr Fraser neglected the opportunity to say that an announcement is to be expected during this session of Parliament. It cannot be delayed much longer without public protest.