Defence Plan “Out Of Touch” With World Situation

Press, Volume C, Issue 29626, 23 September 1961, Page 15

Defence Plan “Out Of Touch” With World Situation

(New Zealand Preu Association.

WELLINGTON, Sept. 22. The Government’s defence proposals were criticised by the president of the Air League (Sir Matthew Oram) today as being an unrealistic approach to the world situation.

“The White Paper on defence policy concludes with a statement that the Government considered it would have the overwhelming support of the people of New Zealand in the sacrifices necessary to do our share in defending freedom,” he said. “From a further study of *he defence review it is evident that the greatest sacrifice the people of New Zealand are called upon to make is their self-respect in the eyes of the other Commonwealth nations. “At a time when the armed forces of the West are being brought up to a state of immediate readiness, the Government has thought fit to initiate action to reduce our forces in being in favour of a partly trained force planned to be available in four or five years’ time. “Peculiar Interpretation”

“This proposal is a sorry addition to New Zealand’s post-war record of consistent failure to face tip to its defence obligations.

"This situation has persisted irrespective of the state of our internal or external economy . . . and we need have no illusions where we stand on this matter in the eyes of those who are carrying our burden. “Apart from other considerations, this appears to be a most peculiar interpretation of the responsibilities attached to the acquisition of ‘adult status’ of which the Minister of Defence has recently referred to with such pride. “It is significant that Australia, notwithstanding its serious internal and external financial difficulties, has thought fit to place large orders overseas for defence re-equipment,” Sir Matthew Oram said. “With the reduced career opportunities open to New Zealand recruits in the Navy and Air Force, what chance have these services of overcoming present and future manning difficulties?

“New Zealand’s contributions to our regional alliances should be mairitained by retention of the Canberra squadron in Singapore and continuation of the present maritime role in the Pacific undertaken by the Navy and

the R.N.ZA.F. Sunderland squadron. Shift of Emphasis

"Orders should be placed forthwith to ensure that there is no reduction in the frigate programme for the Navy and a halt should be called on this retreat from our defence obligations generally,” Sir Matthew Oram said.

“On the subject of the internal defence of this country we will continue to disagree with a policy which refers to ’less emphasis on home defence’ and to ’increased emphasis' on forces for dispatch overseas,” said the president of the New Zealand Homeservicemen’s Association (Mr R. R. F. Ryan) today. “The theory of "it can't happen here’ is not good enough for New Zealand. Now is the time to face the problem, not when enemy landings have taken place,” he said.