R.S.A. Still Unhappy About Defence

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31000, 4 March 1966, Page 14

R.S.A. Still Unhappy About Defence

(From Our Own Reporter) WELLINGTON, March 3. After almost four months, the New Zealand Returned Services’ Association and the Government still disagree about national defence.

The Dominion president of the R.S.A., Mr H. Mitchell, said he feared “a terrible price paid in dead, wounded and prisoners of war” if the State did nothing about the Armed Forces, shortages of manpower and equipment.

In turn, Mr Holyoake has censured the veterans’ group for its attacks on the Government’s defence policy. Only the Government could balance all factors and make decisions, after hearing views of interested parties and considering reports from military and civil advisers, he wrote in a correspondence released today by the R.S.A. “It is unjustifiable to suggest that the Government has somehow not lived up to its responsibility to govern simply because those who advocate more extensive action than the Government decides is necessary do not have their views accepted completely.”

Mr Mitchell protests that the R.S.A. is concerned to ensure that qualified leaders have the men, tools and efficient weapons to do their jobs. “We are determined to see that if our sons and the sons of our comrades have to go into action again, they will enter the conflict trained to a high pitch and with the very best weapons possible. “That has been done for the men at present abroad, but there it ends.” he said. The exchange arose from questions left with Mr Holyoake by the R.S.A. last November. Extracts from Mr Holyoake’s replies, with conse-

quent R.S.A. comments, are as follows: :

Mr Holyoake: Some 3875 regular and 8230 territorial troops were medically fit and old enough to serve abroad in August last year. R.S.A.: We are disturbed that about a third of the 5388 on the Regular Army strength are apparently ineligible.

Mr Holyoake: Dual appointments in static field force units are held by 353 regular officers and other ranks. Returned Services’ Association: At least 12 per cent, a figure which seems unduly high and worthy of your investigation, seem to hold dual posts. Mr Holyoake: The Government is worried at the new applicants for regular commissions. Although the approved ceiling is 40, only 27 cadets are at the Royal Military College. Last year, only two were chosen compared with a yearly requirement of 10. Returned Services’ Association: The position is even worse than we feared.

Mr Holyoake: There is no basic lack of equipment in the territorial force discouraging national servicemen from volunteering. Returned Services’ Association: We are unable to accept this answer as being correct. The R.S.A. says it has information of grave and discouraging shortcomings in training gear. The association wants the defence fund revived. In its previous 14 years’ existence, interest earned was enough to buy a frigate. The R.S.A. has also pledged its support if “further financial sacrifice” is needed to fill gaps in military readiness.