DEFENCE OF DOMINION

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 30 March 1936, Page 3

DEFENCE OF DOMINION

GOVERNMENT POLICY TRAINING OF PILOTS ITS IMPORTANCE STRESSED (United Press Association) WELLINGTON, 28th March. An expansion of the Royal New Zealand Air Force and encouragement of civil aviation in the Dominion is likely to be the most prominent feature of the Government’s defence policy when it is finally announced; At one stage it w&s thought that the Labour Party’s attitude toward defence would be hesitant, but recent authoritative statements have been shown that the Cabinet is fully alive to the importance of the question. In any defence policy as far as the Dominion is concerned Empire considerations naturally arise, and this has led to some reticence on the part of Minister to discuss details. The Prime Minister, the Hon. M. J. Savage, has frequently made it clear that in his opinion the first line of defence must be population. He holds that the Empire countries cannot, continue to bold empty spaces when the peoples of other nations are crying for room to expand. Discussing the subject, yesterday he said that, while first thoughts would always be for people in New Zealand who were struggling to find employment, the Government would be more , than sympathetic to a scheme of planned migration whereby 1 immigrants would arrive from England and jobs for which they were specially suited would be waiting for. them. However, the defence proposals of the Government are not confined to theoretical measures of prevention. Most members of the Cabinet seem to be obviously impressed by. changing methods which are beginning to be appreciated overseas and, unfettered by the views of the senior services they appear to favour strength in the air as a means of defence. CO-OPERATION WITH AUSTRALIA Although no official information can be obtained, it is gathered that the Cabinet is impressed by the mobility and comparative cheapness of an efficient air force : which would enable the Dominion to co-operate closely with its nearest neighbour, Australia, where similar-views, apparently, are. also held. There is no suggestion that the New Zealand Division, of the Royal: Navy or the territorial forces should be scrapped, hut on reliable authority it is suggested that the expenditure on these two.amis may be limited to provide for an increased allocation for aerial defence. Nor is it contemplated that the whole of any future grants should he expended wholly on military aviation. It appears that’ the Government is- prepared to expand in this direction hut, in view of the importance, of training pilots and mechanics for possible eventualities, a liberal policy is likely to he followed witlr regard to civil aviation. The position was discussed briefly yesterday the Minister of Defence, the Hon. F. Jones. He indicated .that the Government had' no intention of reintroducing the compulsory territorial system in New Zealand. in discussing the future defence of the Dominion, declined to indicate any specific.Ydirection in which the Government' Would concentrate.

“The whole position of the three services will he examined,” he added, “but whether the Government will devote tlie greatest attention to the .land, sea nr air services is, a matter that lias yet to be decided. Ido not think, however, ■ that the-? is any possibility of the compulsory territorial system, being introduced.” ’ . •• •. 'V ".! V