Homeservicemen Seek 'Strong’ Defence

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31768, 27 August 1968, Page 28

Homeservicemen Seek 'Strong’ Defence

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, August 26.

The Homeservicemen’s Association has advocated a broad policy of meeting enemy attack at the greatest practical distance outside this country.

It would oppose, however, any commitment which in time of war would require the dispatch overseas of a majority of New Zealand’s trained forces and equipment, the as sociation decided at f .its week end conference. The association wants as a basic and fundamental con-

cept of the defence of New Zealand the belief that this country could, and would, be defended and would resist agression to the utmost. 11 asks that preparation for a strong and resolute defence be a prime responsibility of Government.

The association also wants universal compulsory military training in peace and war.

The association will press the Government again for the appointment to the defence military staff of an officer responsible for the planning of defence against direct attack It seeks the development of a scheme of home defence training effective in emergency circumstances, and the preparation of adequate plans for immediate mobilisation, equipment, and deployment of home defence forces. It further seeks a defence against the development of any "it can’t happen here” outlook by New Zealanders.