NATIONAL DEFENCE

Marlborough Express, Volume LIIII, Issue 81, 7 April 1920, Page 6

NATIONAL DEFENCE

IMPORTANT LEIAGUE FORMED

GENERAL RUSSELL, PRESIDENT

[JTHOM OUR COBBESPON-XENT.J

WELLINGTON, April) 7. It is understood that as the result of a movement that has been afoot in Wellington for some months past, the old National Defence League of New Zealand, which became moribund some eight or nine years ago as the result of the introduction of universal defensive training, has i been revived and placed on a permanent footing, with the idea of educaI ting the public on sound lines of 1 defence. The promoters, while strongly opposed to the introduction j of any spirit of aggressive militarism in this country, and likewise to the country being committed to extravagant proposals, are of opinion that there is every need for the Dominion /to maintain a sound system of defence, so that in the event of any grave crisis developing in the immediate or distant future, New Zealand will not be incapable of protecting herself. It is stated that the League was definitely formed in Wellington some days^ago, and has elected as its president Major-General Sir A. H. Russell, X.C.8., K.C.M.G., who commanded the * New Zealand Division in France, and has since reverted to civilian life. The League's platform, it is asserted, contains some highly novel and interesting proposals, which, it is held, will strongly commend themselves to the people of New Zealand. It is expected that a full announcement- of the League's aims and objects will be made during the next few days.