Manawatu Evening Standard. THURSDAY, NOV. 22, 1934. DEFENCE CONFERENCE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 305, 22 November 1934, Page 6

Manawatu Evening Standard. THURSDAY, NOV. 22, 1934. DEFENCE CONFERENCE.

The arrival of Sir Maurice Hankey, Secretary of the Committee of Imperial Defence, and Sir George Pearce, formerly Minister of Defence in tke Commonwealth. Government, to meet representatives of tlie New Zealand Government and its defence forces in conference is the result of plans which aim to establish a closer alliance between the two Dominions on this question. Greater attention to measures for defence is being- given by each country. Australia’s programme provides for increased expenditure on naval and coastal defence, on seaplanes and land aircraft, and the development of munition factories. Our defence estimates for the current year allow for a much larger sum to be expended on the three arms than for several years past. Coastal defences are to be strengthened, the Air Force is to have additional aircraft, modern cruisers are to replace those now in commission, and the Territorial Army is to have the conditions of service improved. It has been felt, however, that on such a vital subject there should be greater cooperation and co-ordination between Australia and New Zealand. Their defence problems are similar, and the adequate defence of the former is of paramount importance to this Dominion. In recent years naval defence has to some extent been co-ordinated by the squadrons comb'iqing for their exercises. New Zealand cadets are also again being' trained at Duntroon, and early next year six are to be sent there to be moulded into professional soldiers. The Commonwealth munition factories also provide us with substantial quantities of ammunition, and New Zealand officers have recently visited Australia to gain knowledge on this point. The Federal Government, holding the view, however, that there should be more effective co-opera-tion, submitted proposals to our Government for a closer liaison affecting the Navy, Army, and the Air Foi’ce, as well as the supply of munitions and civil aviation. It holds that both countries must derive mutual advantage from the adoption of such a policy and that they would be very considerably strengthened in the event of aggressive action by a hostile Power. With the visit of Sir Maurice Hankey to Australia, the opportunity was presented for a conference which would be greatly strengthened by his presence, for Sir Maurice is the Secretary of the Committee of Imperial Defence which deals with problems of strategy affecting the Empire as a whole. Mr Ramsay MacDonald has made it clear in answer to questions in the House of Commons that the presence of Sir Maurice Hankey has no official significance in Britain ; in other words, that he is attending the conference in a private capacity. Co-ordination of defence is, however, a very important question in its relation to Empire defence. Only a few years ago Britain and Japan were partners in an alliance that contributed to our security in the Pacific. To placate the United States the treaty was abrogated at the time of the Washington Naval Conference. Now Japan insists upon equality in naval armaments with the United States and Britain, the effect of which, if granted, « .!? P”'»ted out, places Britain, .with all the special responsibilities of her Empire, in the position of being unable to make any special naval

provision beyond that made by other Powers with less responsibilities. For this reason Britain cannot accept the principle of u common upper limit for all three. Insistence by Japan upon her claims would surely mean the end of naval treaties, and the logical conclusion of an agreement between the United States and Britain. These are implications in the new situation in the Pacific. As stated, our defence problems are Australia’s also and, as the Sydney Morning- Hex - - ald observes, the local strategy of both Dominions contemplates essentially protection of a vital area in the Tasman Sea. Seaborne trade must be protected and invasion guarded against, and correlation of defence measures by Australia and New Zealand is surely a timely, precaution. The conference in Wellington is a gathering of great moment, for the British Empire having shown in admirable manner the way to disarmament to other nations, a policy they will not subscribe to, must definitely again establish her own defensive strength.