Disapproval Of Policy On Defence

Press, Volume C, Issue 29603, 28 August 1961, Page 14

Disapproval Of Policy On Defence

(N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, August 27. Strong disapproval of the Government’s policy on defence was voiced by Mr R. P. Levien (Masterton) at the annual conference of the New Zealand Homeservicemen’s Association today. Mr Levien was speaking in support of a resolution moved after the presentation of the association’s defence report.

“In recent statements by the Minister of Defence there is enunciated the premise on which it appears the Government’s defence policy is based, namely that this country cannot be defended,” Mr Levien said. “Even if this were true, such a statement can have only a negative and damaging Effect on the moral of the country. The constant repetition of such opinions could, in time, convince the people—as it has apparently convinced the politicians—that the country cannot be defended, and from that it is only one step to the thought that it should not be defended.” Was there a possible third choice between "fight” and "surrender?” If New Zealand had not the force to fight, did the Minister "dare” to follow the argument to its logical conclusion and say “surrender?” “The country, of course, would not surrender and any Minister who made such a move could fairly expect to be shown no mercy. Serious Situation "This situation is really serious. This association does not desire to adopt ‘scare’ tactics. But it is time that the people of this country realised that a weak, dangerous and woolly concept of defence is gradually developing and that they be warned such ideas can snowball, and that the traditional, full offensive spirit of the country could be whittled away. “We undoubtedly can supply manpower; the responsibility to find finance is the Government's. We cannot afford to be left without the means of support,” Mr Levien said. He recommended that the colnference express to the Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) its very grave concern at the situation. The recommendation was passed unanimously. Civil Defence Resolutions urging a greater awareness for the need of efficient civil defence in New Zealand were passed. The conference recommended legislation to give civil defence leaders power to enforce their decisions when the need arose and local bodies throughout the country will be asked to co-operate with the associa-

tion in putting pressure on the Government to have this done. In support of the first resolution, Mr Levien proposed that the Minister in charge of Police be urged to issue to all district offices instructions authorising their cooperation with local bodies in the establishment of civil defence schemes and defining their responsibilities and

any limits to their activities. "The police have obviously not got instructions on their value in civil defence,’’ Mr Levien said. “In the smaller towns there is a tendency for the people to look to the police for guidance in civil defence matters. It is imperative that the position should be clearly defined by the Police Department,’’ he said,