EMPIRE DEFENCE

Evening Star, Issue 23055, 6 September 1938, Page 13

EMPIRE DEFENCE

DOMINIONS MUST SHARE BURDEN [Peb United Press Association.] AUCKLAND, September 5. The defence programme of Australia was described as a “ good beginning ” by Mr C. L. Jonhs, of Sydney, who arrived by the Aorangi in the course of a trip to America, England, and Europe. He said the full extent of England’s burden seemingly was not appreciated by the people in Australia and New Zealand, whose duty it was to prepare themselves and retain some potential power, thus showing tho Motherland the spirit of readiness to defend this section of the Empire in the event of a conflict. “ I suppose we in New Zealand and Australia have now got into the position of being unable to sec the wood for the trees,” said Mr Jones. “ Interpreted, this means, are we playing our part to help England in an emergency to defend our heritage? Defence and population are the two great problems confronting our race to-day, and the freedom we now enjoy in our democracies can be preserved only if we pay hoed to our cardinal national interests. Preparedness now seems the one solution of keeping our freedom. Mr Jones, who ■ is accompanied by Mrs Jones, is chairman of directors of David Jones Ltd. His trip will combine a holiday with some business conferences, including the fostering of tourist travel to Australia on behalf of the Australian National Travel Association. with which ho is associated as a board member.