IMPERIAL DEFENCE

Evening Star, Issue 15139, 22 March 1913, Page 5

IMPERIAL DEFENCE

THE BRITISH ARMY. SPEECH BY THiTwAR MINISTER. Press Association—<By Telegraph— Copyright. LONDON, March 20. The Minister of War (Colonel Seelv) states that a number of young soldiers will be recommended for commissions after three'years' service, and'will receive £l5O towards their outfit and £6O per annum for the first three years as lieutenants. A slight increase in pay will be immediately extended to all officers. A sum of £150,000 will.be devoted to allowances, enabling those promoted from the Tanks to live on their pay. The Minktor is also abolishing the position of second lieutenant. Regarding the problem of slow living, Colonel Seeley believes it is much more important than that of speedy flying. He says that Great Britain's aeroplanes are able to fly at a speed of 80 miles an hour, and to reduce the speed to 40. Since May the Army officers have flown 82,000 mile's in 1,550 hours. The exagerated difficulties of hitting an aerial target had been overcome, and high angle fire was now possible with ease and accuracy, thus removing the dread of airships. ' IMPERLAL CADETS. GROWTH OF MILTTARY-TRAIXING POLICY. . LOXDOX. March 20. the Imperial Cadet Association held a conference in the Guildhall. Jt was decided to recommend the Dominions plan of universal training, also that the Army Council and the education authority jomtly direct the Cadet movement and provide, uniform and serviceable weapons. CANADIAN LIBERALS. OTTAWA, March 20. -H a Liberal caucus it was decided to keep up. the fight on the Navy Bill, and if possible to force a General Election. SOT AN ORIGINAL OPINION. SYDNEY, March 22. (Received March 22, at 9 a.m.) Mr Evelyn Wrench, organiser of the Overseas Club, referring to naval matters, said he behoved the solution of the questionlot Imperial Defence must be that the -Mother Country will look after European waters, and Australasia, Canada, and South Africa police the outer seas. There would have to be absolute unanimity in time of war. AUSTRALIA'S 1/AR STRENGTH. MELBOURXE, March 22. (Received March 22, at 11 a.m.) _ The details of the reorganisation of the military forces have been published. Iho most important step in the scheme, is the provision made for bringing practically tlio whole of the fWitinoforce up to its war strength, as the number of officers and the rank° and file of the skilkd branches, so that in case of emergency it will be. only necessary to draft the privates' ranks 'to secure" an effective line of defence.