The Dominion. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1937. THE DEFENCE OF THE COMMONWEALTH

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 2, 28 September 1937, Page 8

The Dominion. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1937. THE DEFENCE OF THE COMMONWEALTH

Mr. Hector Bywater, a writer of recognised authority on naval matters, forecasts in the London Daily Telegraph an important development in the British Government’s defence programme. Naval construction is to be on a two-hemisphere standard, to provide for concentrations of maximum fleet strengths both in European waters and in the Far East based at Singapore. He points out that this goes beyond the original programme of making good the deficiency resulting from disarmament policy in the past, and has been adopted with “the approval and co-operation of the Dominions.” - If this forecast is correct, it suggests that the general situation gives even greater cause for apprehension than was the case when it was discussed by the Imperial Conference in May and June last. Since then the plan of non-intervention in Spain has practically broken down, and there is a dangerous state of tension in the Mediterranean. Japan had not then disclosed her hand. She was negotiating with the Chinese Government, but there was nothing in the situation as it stood then to suggest such a development as has now taken place. According to Mr. Bywater, the new policy has been devised “for the single purpose of safeguarding the Empire’s communications.” The inference here is that the need for ensuring the safety of these communications is expected to become more urgent, both in the Mediterranean and along the Pacific and Indian Ocean trade routes. The Imperial Conference devoted a great deal of attention to questions touching the defence of the Commonwealth, and every facility was given the representatives from the Dominions to consult with the Imperial Defence Committee on matters touching their own defences. Full information was given the Conference concerning the resources and preparations of each of the Dominions, and the principle of cooperation and consultation was reaffirmed. This was particularly emphasised by the Australian and New Zealand delegations. According to the information given, Canada has increased her appropriations for defence, the strength of the naval and air forces has been augmented, equipment is being both modernised and mechanised, and a special committee of Cabinet has been appointed to watch the position. Australian policy is based on participation in Empire naval defence for the protection of seaborne trade, as a deterrent to invasion and a general measure of defence against invasion and raids. In accordance with this a three-year programme was laid down in 1934, and a four-year programme overlapping the last year of the previous one is now in hand. South African defence expenditure has trebled since 1933, and is based on a similar policy. In all three Dominions measures are being prepared for the . organisation of industrial life and of the civilian population for emergencies. The programme to be adopted by the New Zealand Government for effective co-operation with the general plan is expected to be disclosed this session. Some indication of what is contemplated has already been given. The scheme for the reorganisation of the defence forces has been published in outline, and the Prime Minister has announced in general terms that a plan for the organisation of the nation’s resources is being worked out. This is not a party question, and should be discussed, and criticised if there is ground for criticism, on non-party lines. The Government has a right to expect, and should be given, the assistance and co-operation of all concerned. Our representatives at the Imperial Conference were put in possession of the facts of the situation as it was at that time, and the Government’s course should be quite clear. It was recognised by the Conference that it was “the sole responsibility of the several Parliaments of the Commonwealth to decide the nature and scope of their own defence policy.” The only question that arises at the moment is whether the programme agreed on will be adequate for the new situation which bus developed since the Conference.