Australia, N.Z. Take Joint Steps Towards Security

Northern Advocate, 17 November 1941, Page 3

Australia, N.Z. Take Joint Steps Towards Security

I Special to ‘‘Northern Advocate”] WELLINGTON, This D:;y. The Minister for Finance (Mr, Nash) in a broadcast address last night, when giving impressions of his recent trip to the Commonwealth, said he was satisfied that both Australia and New Zealand were taking all adequate measures to protect themselves against all dangers which could be envisaged. Both countries had great responsibilities and it was their task not only to ensure the security of their own shores out to take a leading part in the defence of tile wider Pacific. Australia was rapidly being transformed into a vast workshop of defence, Mr. Nash said. However, it was no reflection on the Commonwealth to say the New Zealand efforts in defencecompared favourably, taking into account the smallness of the Dominion. N.Z. No Longer Isolated Both countries clearly understood that it was the common problem to defend not only themselves but also the whole British Commonwealth, and the democratic way of living. Both countries were inseparably linked with the fortunes of Britain and their war effort was essentially a joint one. Mr. Nash instanced the rapidity of air travel between Australia and New Zealand said that this breaking down of physical barriers meant that New Zealand could no longer regard herself as isolated in an effective sense from the rest of the world. In a world of war therefore her security against attack and blockade was correspondingly lessened. Something ! that yesterday was welcomed as a sign of progress, tomorrow might be used as a weapon of destruction against her. A major attack might break out at any moment in the Pacific and in such a situation it was expected Australia and New Zealand should, by virtue of their affinity, be drawn even closer together, he added.

Strategy Of Pacific From the strategic viewpoint, the new technique of war made the two countries more than ever interdependent in the event of an attack. To be secure against invasion and blockade and against attacks on shipping, strong naval and air forces were essential. These forces must be dispersed as strategy demanded to form an effective shield. The safety of Australia and New Zealand hinged on the security of the United Kingdom and Singapore. In this war, as in the last, neither Australia nor N.Z. had hesitated to make every possible sacrifice to assist in the defence of Britain. They must also be prepared to play a leading part in the defence not only of their own shores but also of Oceania, the Indies and Malaya. “Singapore is the strongest bastion in the defence of this Dominion,” Mr. Nash said. Singapore not only guarded against invasion, but also protected the long sea lanes and as long as it stood. British shipping could carry food and essential war materials across the Pacific and Indian Ocean. Singapore Keystone “Singapore is the keystone of the Malaya barrier, the outer perimeter of the Australian and New Zealand defence system," Mr. Nash added. With the continually growingstrength of the armed forces of - both countries, the future can be traced with full confidence. The inner perimeter lies along the shores oi' the two countries. In the event of one country being attacked it would be assisted by the other.” "On the basis of this understanding. the closest co-ordination has been maintained in recent years in working out and maintaining a common defence policy. The closest possible agreement on defence issues has been reached.