THE EMPIRE’S DEFENCE

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 167, 12 April 1926, Page 7

THE EMPIRE’S DEFENCE

AN OUTSTANDING SUBJECT AT NEXT IMPERIAL CONFERENCE ARTICLE BY FORMER CHIEF OF AIR STAFF WEAKNESS OF FOREIGN POLICY SHOWN AT LOCARNO a According to indications in London a more satisfactory basis of Imperial defence will be one of the most outstanding subjects at the Imperial Conference, MajorGeneral Sir Frederick Sykes says Locarno has again shown the weakness of Imperial foreign policy and defence. He suggests the creation of a supreme defence staff. / Br Telegraph.—Press Association, copyright.

(Rec. April 11, H. 5 p.m.) London, April 10. Already there are indications that a more satisfactory basis of Imperial de- “» fence will be one of the most outstanding subjects at the Imperial Conference. It is understood that a renewal of General Sir George Milne’s recent visit to Australia House was connected therewith. The question was discussed in detail. Major-General Sir Frederick Sykes, former chief of air staff, writing in the “Army Quarterly,” says: “Locarno has again shown the weakness of Imperial foreign policy and defence. The . Locarno hope cannot be realised without a concerted Imperial mandate in

foreign policy and definite steps towards disarmament.” Sir Frederick urges a stronger Imperial defence scheme as the soundest policy in British interests as a basis for the reduction of armaments and the best deterrent of war. There must be systematic continuous review, instead of spasmodic reference to the Dominions. Sir Frederick suggests the creation of' a supreme defence staff under the presidency of the Prime .Minister, charged with the consolidation and combination of the three arms of Imperial defence, ensuring touch with the Dominions, and security with the minima of forces, at the lowest cost, ultimately taking over the staff and administrative duties, and forming the* backbone of the Defence Council of the Ministry of Defence.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.