STRONGER DEFENCES.
COMING CONFERENCE. SIR M. HANKEY’S VISIT. WELLINGTON, Nov. 1. The plans formulated for strengthentlie Dominion’s defences are, it is understood, proceeding quietly. Much apparently has already been done along tho lines of the announcements made in the House of Representatives by the Prime Minister (Mr Forbes) and the Minister of Defence (Mr Cobbe) and it is stated that a further fillip will be given to the revival of the defence policy when Sir Maurice Hankey, secretary to the British Cabinet and of the Committee of Imperial Defence, arrives in Wellington on November 20 to confer with the Government on defence matters.
It is likely that as Sir Maurico Hankey is coming to New Zealand from Australia, he will (>e joined in the visit by Sir George Pearce, Minister of Externa] Affairs of the Commonwealth of Australia. The conference will, it is understood, be of great importance to both the Dominion and the Commonwealth.
Questioned about the coming conference, Mr Cobbe stated that he could not add to the statement recently made _ by the Prime Minister that the main purpose of the visit of Sir Maurice was to hold a series of unofficial conversations with the Cabinet in relation to the defence of New Zealand, and to the defensive measures of the Empire as a whole. "It can be expected, of course,” said Mr Cobbe, “that advantage will be taken of Sir Maurice’s visit to discuss many matters of mutual interest to New Zealand and Australia.”
Referring to the Vildbeeste bombing aeroplanes which the Prime Minister announced some time ago were on order, Mr Cobbe said that some of the engines for the machines had already arrived in New Zealand. "Two flights,” said the Minister, "that is, eight machines, will be here about February next Duplicate engines are also being obtained for the aeroplanes, and also some extra frames. When these machines have been fitted up and placed in service, the air arm of the Defence Department will be modernised.”
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Bibliographic details
Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 289, 3 November 1934, Page 3
Word Count
331STRONGER DEFENCES. Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 289, 3 November 1934, Page 3
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