Nelson Evening Mail THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 1939 DEFENCE OF BRITAIN

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 2 March 1939, Page 6

Nelson Evening Mail THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 1939 DEFENCE OF BRITAIN

GREAT BRITAIN’S defence expenditure for the current year will be substantial; the estimate being 580 millions sterling, of which £ 1 5 3,666,68 1 will be the amount of the Navy Estimates, the latter showing an increase over last year of twenty-two and a half millions which is expected to be still further increased next year. Although it has been said that Britain is not apprehensive of any country in particular, it is generally recognised that with the world in its present state, it is expedient for a nation with wide responsibilities to be prepared to meet every possible emergency. Being prepared may greatly assist to prevent aggression. The defence of Great Britain entails a powerful Navy and an adequate Air Force, in addition to substantial land-forces provided by the Regular and Territorial Armies. There is always the possibility of trouble on the European Continent, into which Great Britain might be drawn, not only because of her commitments with France and Belgium, but because she can never be indifferent to the possibility of some Great Power seeking to dominate the Continent, as so often has been attempted in the past. Then there is the responsibility of providing for the defence of her Empire. How long would the peace of India exist if Great Britain were not able to guarantee her safety?—the British raj gives India peace within herself, and immunity from invasion. Then there is the protection of the Crown Colonies, scattered as they are in all parts of the world, and too many in number to be named here. But this much may be said of them, that they all look to Great Britain for protection, and she is proud to acknowledge the obligation. In addition there is the responsibility of the relationship in which Great Britain stands towards the Dominions.

As a matter of policy the theory is that the Dominions shall be responsible for their own protection “ they certainly must make adequate preparations for defence—but Great Britain would not be indifferent if one of the Dominions were attacked. There is the other aspect of this relationship—how long would the Dominions be indifferent if Great Britain were attacked? Obviously Great Britain must be strong at sea, which means that she must possess a powerful Navy. It was the Navy which made possible her successful colonising efforts, since without security being assured there could not very well have been the settlements of British people which have grown into Dominions. Finally there is Great Britain s sea-borne trade, which for centuries has been the basis of her greatness: well-worn is the aphorism that “trade follows the flag,’’ and its truth has been proved by British manufacturers and merchants anxious to sell their commodities in foreign countries. Navy, Air Force, and Armv—the nation needs them, the Empire overseas, including the Dominions, requires them, though they may have their own local defence forces which, as has been repeatedly stressed, must be adequate. Great Britain’s Naval Estimates for 1939 provide for the construction of two capital ships, one

aircraft carrier, four cruisers, two destroyer flotillas, twenty-two escort vessels, ten mine-sweepers, one river gunboat, one hospital ship, six motor torpedo boats, and two boom defence vessels. In addition there will be the expenses of the Army, and the money required by the Air Force which is evidently a large sum, though, for reasons which can be appreciated, the amount is not stated even approximately. This then is Great Britain’s reply to the nations which remained silent when she invited them to join her in a comprehensive plan of disarmament —£580,000,000 to be spent in the present year upon defence, with the prospect of substantial payments next year, in order that she may be prepared for every possible development. Meanwhile, ! given goodwill on both sides, much is hoped from the approaching trade discussions between British and German industrialists. It has been truly said that if an agreement were reached it could only be for the benefit of both countries and the economic position of the world.