OUR DEFENCE

Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 60, 8 September 1937, Page 10

OUR DEFENCE

(To'the Editor.)

Sir,—l would be grateful for space enough to voice a little criticism on the above vital subject. From time to time since the present Government came into office the public have awaited its defence policy. After nearly two years during which time our few coast defences are supposed to have been modernised and the recent purchase of a dozen second-hand aeroplanes from Britain (who discarded this type of aeroplane) very little else has been done in the matter. Recently the Minister of Defence (the Hon. F. Jones) announced his new policy relating to the Territorial Forces which was a.most half-hearted announcement. We see advertisements in the Press for 170 recruits for the artillery and infantry in the various centres. Does the Minister seriously suggest that physi-cally-fit young men are going to accept positions for three^ months in the Territorial Special Reserve at 8s per day less 2s 6d per day for deductions and give up their present positions in which they may be earning £5 or more per week? Furthermore, today, with modern armaments, three months' training would be insufficient to make men efficient. . The ordinary Territorial Force is put at 8000, but this 8000 must carry a low percentage of efficiency. One has only to recall the showing at the Coronation Day parade to see how our defences are lacking. Why do not the politicians face the position properly and put our defences in order? To any right-thinking person today compulsory military training is necessary.—l am, etc., ttt _