Air League Condemns Defence White Paper

Press, Volume C, Issue 29622, 19 September 1961, Page 17

Air League Condemns Defence White Paper

While the White Paper on defence made “a great play of the concept of ‘a force in being’,” it also proceeded to disband the most effective component of such a force, said Mr H. A. Foster, president of the Christchurch branch of the Air League of New Zealand, yesterday. “No. 75 Squadron in Malaya, the only New Zealand force capable of going into action within hours, is to be disbanded,” he said “What a sorry finis to a history of constant endeavour, including raids on Germany in the very early stages of World War H.”

Mr Foster said the squadron was now taking part in an exercise with British and Australian aircraft which should provide "invaluable experience in liaison and cooperative endeavour in the area at present considered our responsibility. “Based in Malaya, the squadron provides a measure of protection to the air-lift projected to move troops into the area and also can supply important information necessary for intelligence appraisals of any situation. “The air power situation in South-east Asia has in the past been invariably inadequate and any thought of committing our troops to an action without some control over aerial cover would be irresponsible to say the least. “Lessons learnt in World War H and Korea ,and reiterated by the Russian Mav Day show of air power, have proved that casualties among troops may be related to air superiority. Further, with our shortage of manower we must take heed cf the most effective measures of utilising our meagre assets in this direction.

“The striking power of a squadron of Canberra* 1s at least equivalent to that of a battalion. It operates ever a much greater area and provides a reeonnaisan.ee vehicle of tremendous value.

‘At present, if the situation precipitated a conflict of any short, No. 14 Squadron at Ohakea would be ready to replace No. 75 Squadron after a few weeks of action and so leave available for operational training a pool of air and ground crews with valuable experience to provide the core for a build-up of forces to protect any troops in action in South-east Asia. "In exchange for these tremendous advantages the White Paper advocates a scheme which, far from providing immediate forces, will not become effective for at least six months and probably longer. It will also disrupt the country’s economy by the removal of a large number of young men at a stage when they are becoming useful to the community in its drive for production to alleviate the serious economic situation.

“Even if these Army forces are necessary, suitable air cover for them is of greater necessity. The troops who endured Greece and Crete will join with us in our assertions that without air cover it is inexcusable to commit troops.

“Bitter experience has proved from time to time that the best form of air cover is provided by forces of the same origin, for we Kiwis all speak the same language. Integration of the services should not be in the nature of a take-over bid by the Army. “The situation is critical; the public is entitled to know the consequences of the removal of our only ‘force in being' capable of immediate action," said Mr Foster.