Merging Of Air Forces Suggested, Denied

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30710, 27 March 1965, Page 1

Merging Of Air Forces Suggested, Denied

(N.Z. Press Assot

:iation—Copyright)

CANBERRA, March 26. The merging of New Zealand’s air force with Australia’s as part of possible defence integration measures has been discussed by experts, according to usually reliable sources. But a denial is made in Wellington. High-level discussion of the idea is part of intensifying “get-closer” moves by defence authorities of both countries. Exchanges on the suggestion envisage a two-ann—-army and navy—defence concept for New Zealand. The air force would be a small, specialised element to be run in conjunction with a powerful R.A.A.F. The partially integrated trans-Tasman defence plan came up during talks in Australia and New Zealand probing more avenues of defence co-ordination, the sources said. Minister’s Denial In Wellington, the Minister of Defence (Mr Eyre) denied that the R.N.Z.A.F. was to be merged with the Australian air force.

Mr Eyre also denied that New Zealand was considering a “two-arm defence concept."

A Defence Department spokesman said New Zealand Ministers and members of Parliament—at present visiting Australia —had been given no brief or mission to talk defence with Australian defence officials.