AUSTRALIA’S DEFENCE

Evening Star, Issue 17957, 2 May 1922, Page 4

AUSTRALIA’S DEFENCE

ECONOMY PROPOSALS CRITICISED. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Press Association. SYDNEY", May 1. .Military circles arc strongly opposed 1 to that portion of the Commonwealth scheme of economy which involves tho drastic priming of'the Mililaiy Estimates and tho consequent reductions, which, it is understood, involve the eloping of the Duntroon Military College or its amalgamation with the Jervis Bay Naval College; also tho abolition of junior, and senior cadet training and tho reduction of the _ citizens’ forces in training with tho cuitailiuent oi permanent officers. Commissioned units of tho fleet will also bo further reduced. General Brand warns the public lhat tlio proposed reductions threaten to do irreparable'harm to tho citizen forces. Ho is convinced that, the people of Australia do not want such economy as _ will prejudice tho country's future defence and efficiency. , , , Regarding the proposed navai reductions? it i« stated that at least eleven vessels of various dimensions belonging to tho fleet aro officially regarded as out of date, and that only two or three, will remain in active commission. SIR J. SALMOND'S WARNING, SYDNEY, May 1. Sir John Salmond has arrived. Asked for his opinion on the proposed Australian defence economies, lie said that the Naval Treaty signed at Washington might tend to create in the public mind the belief that expenditure on naval defence was no longer imperative. This was a great mistake. The mere fact that a rational limit had been imposed in no way affected the maintenance of the licet permitted by the treaty. It was the duty of Australia and the other self-governing dominions to bear their full share of the financial burden which tho fleet imposed. 11.M.5. AUSTRALIA. MELBOURNE, May 1. It is authoritatively staled that tho battle-cruiser Australia will bo dismantled, towed to sea, and sunk by big-gun fire, as the cost of breaking her up is too great.