DEFENCE IN PACIFIC.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 89, 14 March 1939, Page 6

DEFENCE IN PACIFIC.

Arrangements have now been completed for the discussions between representatives of the British, Australian, and Hew Zealand! Governments on Pacific questions of mutual interest. Defence will occupy a most important part in ■ the deliberations. Pile conference j is the result of a suggestion made last year by this Dominion’s Government, and as Sir Harry Batterbee, the High Commissioner for Great Britain in Hew Zealand, will be a leading representative of the Home Government, no doubt it was delayed until after his arrival here. The importance attached to the meeting is to be perceived from the delegates appointed, several of whom hold very high positions in the defence forces. Defence of the Pacific is a matter with which the United Kingdom, Australia, and Yew Zealand are very vitally concerned. The European situation has caused Britain to undertake a rearmament programme of tremendous extent and cost, and it is well that the Dominions should to their utmost ability play their part in preserving their integrity. The Minister for Finance observed in a recent statement that our defence expenditure is now four times that of 1935. Four years ago, however, the world thought more of disarmament than of an armaments race, believing in collective security through the League of Nations. But the Minister went to the point of the matter when he further said that *‘it was comparatively not enough if the country was to do all that ought to be done.” In fulfilling tliat_ obligation the Government will have the utmost support of the country. No matter what is said in some circles the fact is inescapable —that our defence lies with the Mother Country; should she face disaster we cannot avoid it. We must therefore accept our obligations to the full, and it is at least a healthy sign that the Government has taken the initiative in this conference. It may not be required of the Dominions of the Pacific to send an expeditionary force overseas again, but our own defence will surely go a long way from our own shores and with it maintenance of extensive communications and supply routes. The conference will be followed with the keenest interest.