Mr Connolly’s Views On Missile Targets, Frigates

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29246, 2 July 1960, Page 14

Mr Connolly’s Views On Missile Targets, Frigates

(Neto Zeaiana Press Association)

WELLINGTON, July L An intercontinental ballistic missile fired from any South-east Asian country could probably “blow Auckland to bits,” the Minister of Defence (Mr Connolly) told the House of Representatives today. Speaking in the Address-in-Reply debate, Mr Connolly said recent military events of major significance to New Zealand were: (1) The Soviet “moonshot” which showed for the first time the existence of a terminal guidance system for missiles. (2) The Soviet Intercontinental ballistic missile fired 7760 miles into the Pacific. ' (3) The advent of submarines which could hit targets from 1500 miles

“We should do what we can to expedite our civil defences,” said Mr Connolly.

He said he was glad New Zealand had entered into collective defence arrangements with other countries. “Collective security is not an empty phrase, but a sound philosophy." - Mr Connolly said the Soviet 1.C.8.M. would probably have “blown Auckland to bits" if it had been fired at New Zealand from any South-east Asian country Mr R. M. Algie (Opposition. Remuera): Why not Dunedin? (Mr Connolly represents Dunedin Central). Mr Connolly: Dunedin is not cf military significance. Referring to missile-carrying submarines, he said frigates would never catch these submarines. Mr J. R. Hanan (Opposition, Invercargill): What are frigates for? Mr Connolly: To protect Shipping in the Tasman from torpedoes.