The Grey River Argus THURSDAY, May 21, 1942. DEFENCE OF N.Z.

Grey River Argus, 21 May 1942, Page 4

The Grey River Argus THURSDAY, May 21, 1942. DEFENCE OF N.Z.

More fortunate than almost any other British terintory, this country has not yet figured in any communique as a. theatre of war activity. Because our defence measures are necessarily the subject of the utmost secrecy, however, it would 'be a false impression did the people conclude secrecy meant safety. If Australia had not earlier sought openly for assistance from oversea, she would now have far less confidence of putting up a defence which the situation is expected to render/as difficult as it may be prolonged. For the moment, the only offensive plan is designed purely for a defensive purpose. AVe should nevertheless be mistaken to imagine Australia’s defence is going to afford New Zealand a long and sufficient warning iof attack against this territory. The directions now being broadcast for precautions in our towns arc timely, because there is no certainty that enemy aircraft will keep away. The reinforced Japanese vanguard is now reported to have closely approached the supply line running from America to Australia. If it should be cut, the consequent course of enemy action would certainly appear to be the cutting off also of New Zealand from sources of outside supply, as well as interruption of iour communications with Australia. It is but natural in such circumstances that our supply position should come under closer scrutiny. A complaint that potatoes had been fallowed to go oversea has been proved groundless, while it is satisfactory to learn that Australian wheat is being obtained. This war has in every country increased demand for and use of flour. In addition to canning and otherwise securing food reserves for Australia, the authorities, are urging the maximum planting of vegetables, and in New Zealand preparations foi' doing likewise are most advisable. It is indicated that more and more industries and services will be curtailed or stopped to

ensure the drafting into the armed forces of more and more men. The utilisation of remaining productive power is bound to engage' the attention of the authorities. Additional aid from oversea might be counted on in the event of attack, but il‘ New Zealand previously should be cut off from, the possible sources of such aid, she, like Australia, must in that event depend on whatever defences she now has. The present is a time to prepare, no longer, for sending support to some distant front but for holding our own froijt. Where British territory has been lost, it is now acknowledged, the reason has been that reliance on outside support proved fatal in the event. Those within the lost territory were complacent, and under-estimated the enemy. Our best example to follow is that of mustering the maximum strength from whatever source it may be had, and. not waiting until the presence of the enemy might be expected to spur assistance from somewhere else. The explanation of the many more up-to-date shelters now being built in Australian cities is a realisation that security to-day is a false sense, in view of the very evident Japanese reinforcement for a major offensive. Our authorities are commencing an inspection of defences in coastal areas nearest to the enemy’s sea dispositions, one object being to effect closer touch between those of the general staff and those in control of local defences. This and many other precautions demonstrate that the Dominion is in a good state of preparedness, a condition, however, which may be rendered still more secure if the public are all alert to the gravity of the situation.