Empire Defence Plan

Northern Advocate, 13 June 1947, Page 7

Empire Defence Plan

(Roc. noon) LONDON, June 12 The Minister of Defence (Mr A. V. Alexander) speaking to the Empire Correspondents’ Association, London said Britain, with the Dominions, was preparing defence plans extending well beyond 1948. He said Britain hoped to develop the Commonwealth system, which had worked so well during the war and in which all members of the Commonwealth worked in free and equal partnership, each taking the lead in its particular geographical defence region. The Commonwealth must be prepared at all times to fulfil its responsibilities not only to the United Nations, but to itself. Mr Alexander said Mr Dcdman's recent announcement of Australia's five- ! year defence plan was evidence of Australia's intention to play her full part. He added that he welcomed Mr Fraser's declaration in February that New Zealand, with Australia, was vitally concerned in securing peace in the Pacific. Mr Alexander sketched means whereby Britain and the Commonwealth were cooperating in planning and research. He said they were : working from the conclusion that l modern developments meant that there would be no breathing space at the beginning of a war, and they must, therefore, constantly be prepared.