EMPIRE DEFENCE

Greymouth Evening Star, 17 March 1934, Page 7

EMPIRE DEFENCE

CONFERENCE THIS YEAR COMMONERS ANXIOUS [BY CABLE —PBESS ASSN. —COPYBIGHT.] LONDON, March 16. It is understood that a debate is being arranged for the House of Com mons on March 21, to discuss Empire defence at which the Government will be pressed to take immediate steps to consult the Dominions, as the result of which it is likely that the Government will call a conference during 1934. Many members of the House of Commons are anxious regarding the situation, especially as to a shortage in the air forces. NAVAL MANOEUVRES. LONDON, March 16. Ninety ships engaged in the British naval manoeuvres have returned to Gibraltar, where the docks are full of craft that are requiring repairs. It is significant that over 100 aircraft were present at the climax of the exercises, and that not one’df-these mamachines was able to engage, owing to the storm. All of the destroyers were also unable to face the elements, but no craft did well. Hector Bywater, in the “Daily Telegraph,” says: “It is clear from the manoeuvres that the Navy has revived those tactical principles which not only authorise, but enjoin, that admirals shall attack an enemy whenever and wherever he is found. It would seem that the Navy has reverted to the traditions of Nelson and Hawke.

NEW RESERVE FORCE.

LONDON, March 15.

Speaking on the Army Estimates in the House of Commons, Mr. A. Duff Cooper announced the Government’s decision to form a new branch of the Territorial Army ,to be called the Royal Defence Force. It is to be recruited from men who are no longer fit for actice service, and who will be used in any emergency for the defence of vulnerable points in Britain, such as bridges, factories, and arsenals. He said that they would be used “not against enemy attack but against persons of illwill or foreign agents inside the country,” thus freeing younger and more active men for other duties. The Labourites fear that this corps may be used as a Fascist force on the Model of the Austrian Heimwehr.

WOMEN’S PEACE-FILM.

LONDON, March 16.

The “Daily Chronicle” says: The Dowager Lady Raglan and Mrs. Shel-don-Wilkinson, the organisers of the International Women’s Film Associa-

tion, are assured of £lOO,OOO backing to produce an international film, “The Great To-morrow,’ in the interests of world peace, for which a scenario has been prepared with the aid of fifteen Embassies. Mr. George Arliss' has been offered the leading role. It will partly be filmed at ' the Mount of Olives, in Palestine, and partly at London and at Hollywood.