Australian I. F. To Go Overseas

Northern Advocate, 30 November 1939, Page 5

Australian I. F. To Go Overseas

In Theatre Of War By Spring'

CANBERRA, November 29,

Reviewing defence activities today in the House of Representatives the Prime Minister (Mr Menzies) indicated that the Second Australian Imperial Force would be despatched overseas early in the new year, as soon as it had reached a suitable stage of training. Mr Menzies pointed out that adequate assurances had been given to the 9 in respect of the capacity and availability of the Navy which ' was, after all, Australia’s first line of defence, to give Australia protection against major aggression. In these circumstances, said the Prime Minister, the Government was of the opinion that it was most desirable to send a special infantry division abroad. Labour Leader’s Regret. The Leader of the Opposition (Mr J. Curtin) regretted the Prime Minister’s announcement and claimed that Australia’s manpower was required for the defence and safety of the Commonwealth. He moved an amendment: “That the House is of the opinion that Australian manpower is required for the defence and safety of the Commonwealth and is opposed to the despatch of the Expeditionary Force.” The amendment was defeated by 33 to 28 votes, with voting strictly on party lines. According to a Daventry broadcast, Mr Menzies said that after further training, the 1 Australian division would take its place in the theatre of war by the spring. Mr Menzies said it would be blinding the. eye to disregard the fact that Germany had an enormous and welltrained army, but *he had the fullest confidence in the ultimate outcome of the struggle.

Air Training Scheme. Australian co-operation in the Empire air training scheme would give the Allied .air forces a commanding superiority. Mr Menzies added that a substantial amount of Australia’s share in the Empire air training scheme would be carried out in Australia. It would not only contribute to the Allied air strength, but would also give Australia a great measure of protection. Chamberlain’s Comment. In reference to the decision of the Commonwealth Government to despatch a military force ‘overseas, Mr Chamberlain, in the House of -Commons, said: “The House will, I am confident, agree when I say how warmly we welcome this further.evidence of Australia’s resolution to put forward her full efforts in the common cause.” Asked if the Australian contingent would be fully protected en route, Mr Chamberlain said: “Trust the Navy to look after that.”