NEW ZEALAND’S PART

Evening Star, Issue 18051, 19 August 1922, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND’S PART

ADMIRALTY'S MEMORANDUM. NUCLEUS OF SQUADRON. Air Massey, in a brief reference to Now Zealand’s naval responsibilities in the House of Representatives last night, said that the policy which would be followed in future for the maintenance of the Empire was set out in the following memorandum from the Admiralty:— The Admiralty emphasises that the first principle of naval defence is that it can only bo assured by sufficient naval fovces l capable of offensive action, and enSowccU with that full freedom of movement which can only be given by adequate fuelling and base facilities, and points out the consequent necessity of the Empire possessing a fleet capable of controlling its maritime communications. It outlines the naval policy by 'which New Zealand can best assist in the Empire’s naval defence, as follows, giving the various points in order of relative importance:— 1. During the period of financial stringency the maintenance by New Zealand of tho nucleus of a seagoing squadron, which, when times are better, can rapidly bo expanded, such expansion to consist of light cruisers and ocean-going submarines. 2. Provision of all reserves in New Zealand. 3. Assistance in equipping the Empire’s naval bases by a financial contribution, or by the supply of material manufactured in New Zealand. 4. Providing bases, docks, depots, and reserves of stores and fuel in New Zealand for the vessels maintained by New Zealand. 5. Providing for the local protection of trade, and the storage of guns for merchant ships and their escorts, and providing a trained personnel for them. 6. Providing mobile defence organisations for ports, including mine-sweep-ing organisations.