Decries Theories Of 'Push Button' War

Northern Advocate, 17 June 1947, Page 5

Decries Theories Of 'Push Button' War

SYDNEY, June 16

The plan for Pacific defence was a question for ihe political heads, said the Chief of the Australian General Staff (Lieutenant-General V. A. H Sturdee), who returned to Sydney today from the United States. He said Australia and New Zealand would use Manus Island as their forward base for defence in the Southwest Pacific. He denied reports that he had brought back with him a comprehensive plan inspired by America for Pacific defence. The subject, he said, had been discussed only in general terms during his talks with the Britisn and United States defence chiefs.

Describing push-button warfare as still a “wild idea,” General Sturdee said that in spite of the fact that new weapons were being developed, there would be need for an army, navy and air force for a long time.

The atom bomb was only in its infancy as a weapon when it was used in the war, he said, and added: “No one knows wfiat effect it will have on the Services from now, except that it ■will lead - to wide dispersion and duplication of army bases.' Even when push-button warfare was possible the three Services, not scientists, would execute the operations. . i This opinion was also held in England, where he had discussions w ith the scientific adviser to the new Ministry of Defence (Sir Henry Tizard) who agreed that the role of the three Services would remain unchanged.