DEFENCE MEASURES

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 256, 26 September 1933, Page 7

DEFENCE MEASURES

PLANS FOR AUSTRALIA. AIR, LAND AND OCEAN. AN EXTENSIVE PROJECT. (United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) SYDNEY, Sept. 25. Sir George Pearce, Minister of Defence, addressing the Millions Club today, outlined the Commonwealth Government’s defence policy. The proposals include extensive additions to the naval air forces, and additional facilities for manufacturing arms and munitions in Australia, strengthening coastal fortresses, the creation of armoured car units, and closer co-opera-tion with New Zealand and Britain. The Commonwealth, said Sir George Pearce, would aim to provide an efficient squadron of ships which would dovetail with the Imperial defence policy. Provision would be made for the necessary bases, equipment, and fuel stores, and the training of the personnel, which would ensure mobility and efficiency. Up-to-date new armament would be instal.ed in the const fortresses. The Government would embark on the manufacture of a considerably larger quantity of small arms ammunition than in former years. Steps would be taken this year to bring the Australian army into line with the mechanisation of the British army. One armoured car regiment would be raised in districts where light-horse regiments were formerly raised, while provision would be made for a large number of armoured cars for the protection of the coastline. A pattern would he evolved suitable for local conditions. The Government hoped to produce these in Australian munition factories, and large numbers would be available in case of emergency. Troops would be trained in future in large camps instead of small unit camps. Sir George Pearce announced that whereas five years ago only 30 per cent, of the munitions used by the Australian navy were made in Australia, the output this year would be 90 per cent. In regard to the development of the Air Force, the Government intended to replace wastage with the most modern aircraft.

Sir George Pearce went on to say that the Government would aim at a naval squadron of four effective cruisers in full commission, with the requisite aircraft, a destroyer leader, four destroyers in full commission, sloops, and surveying vessels for essential peacetime use and as minesweepers in wartime. The essential feature of the naval policy, he explained, was that aircraft were a vital auxiliary to both the Navy and the Army, and that the ships’ officers and men must be interchangeable with the Royal Navy, which meant that the ships must be built on identical lines with identical armaments, and with the personnel trained to the same standard. The Government’s policy, he emphasised, was intended to strengthen the Australian defences, in view of the danger of aggression and help in protecting the trade routes. He appealed for the support of employers and employees, and asked that the matter bo treated as non-political. Sir George Pearce added that negotiations were now going on with tlio New Zealand Government with the object of restoring the close defence liaison which existed in pre-war days. Mr W. M. Hughes and other speakers commended Sir George Pearce’s speech. Mr Hughes said it was remarkable because it was delivered prior to the Federal Budget, also for the fact that it contained no element likely to arouse the hostility of any other country. ADVICE FROM BRITAIN. DEVELOPMENT OF SITUATION. Received September 26, 10.25 a.m. SYDNEY, Sept. 26. The Morning Herald, in a leader on the defence policy, says that there has been real concern r.t Canberra. “It is clear enough, and we know the British authorities have been in constant touch with our own Defence Department. The situation in Europe has developed from day to day along lines which have caused increasing alarm. Also, the position in the Pacific with the American and Japanese navies demonstrating in strength has caused thoughtful citizens to make demands for information of the Federal Government’s intentions. “Broadly, the truth is that nothing we can do will serve to jorotect us from an invasion in the immediate future,” the jiaper adds. “Sir George Pearce does not offer a Government plan with that in view, but we must believe the proposals are the result of earnest thinking and sound wisdom made complete by a full agreement with the Mother Country as to the best course to pursue.”