Defence policy “outdated”

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32893, 17 April 1972, Page 14

Defence policy “outdated”

New Zealand defence policy was merely a continuation of a policy designed to meet a world situation that did not exist today, said Mr J. Walding, member of Parliament for Palmerston North, in Christchurch yesterday.

He told the national Student Christian Conference at Woodend Lodge that the country had the choice of continuing with defence alliances and policies designed for the 19505, or adopting an independent policy, which was what he believed it should do. If it did not make an independent policy, New Zealand might continue to be the pawn of a great Power, blindly swearing allegiance to whatever cause it espoused in return for protection against a danger of which he found no credible evidence. “PEACE FORCE” He urged that New Zealand withdraw as soon as possible , from treaty obligations, which required the stationing of any armed forces overseas, and, instead, maintain a peace force designed to defend the Dominion. The force might also be capable of assisting in a non-miliury role to lift the quality of life in underdeveloped countries, particularly in the South Pacific. New Zealand presented no military threat by itself to

■ any nation. It possessed no particularly desirable or rare ’ natural resources. It was geo- ; graphically out of the way. “No matter how much it may hurt our ego, we are of I little value to any nation capable of invading us. Ours is a nation of under 3m persons in a world which is increasing in population at more than ljm persons a week,” said Mr Walding. “PATRIOTIC MEN” Mr Walding said it was a popular ploy whenever the validity or efficiency of present defence policy was questioned to try to. present such views as criticism of the men who served in the forces. “Let me make it clear I believe that in our armed forces we have enthusiastic, patriotic men of undoubted ability,” he said. “It was a tragedy that much of this ability was frustrated and morale was never lower." They know the force they belong to is hopelessly inadequate to fulfil what is said to be our present defence commitments. “They know that much of the sllom allocated in the defence vote this year will be wasted. They know that conditions of service for many are becoming intolerable,” ’ said Mr Walding. Irrespective of the size or function of any future defence forces, those serving the nation as members of the three services were entitled to receive rewards and conditions equal to other members in the community they served, he said.

Other speakers included the Rev. I. D. Borrie, and Messrs G. Tunnicliffe, D. Fier (a lecturer in political science), D. Martin, and W. Rosenberg (a reader in economics). The abolition of the Military Service Act was supported by most of the 40 persons who attended the conference The group also voted in favour of calling for the withdrawal of New Zealand armed forces overseas, a non-aligned foreign policy, and the teplacement of the armed services by an aid-and-develop-ment programme.