EMPIRE DEFENCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19550, 1 February 1927, Page 12

EMPIRE DEFENCE.

[BRITAIN'S HEAVY BURDEN, j DUTY OF THE DOMINIONS. PROBLEMS IN THE PACIFIC. A POLICY OF CO-OPERATION. « Empire defence was one of the principal subjects dealt, with by Mr. S. M. Bruce, Prime Minister of Australia, in an interview on tho Niagara yesterday. Mr. Bruce, who has been attending the Imperial Conference in London, was a through passenger by the Niagara, having visited the United States and Canada on his way home to Australia. " For many years insistent demands have been made by the Dominions for a recognition of their status," said Mr. Bruce. " Australians have not worried very much, having realised that they possess virtual nationhood. The Dominions now possess all the privileges they have been demanding, and now have to recognise that they will have to shoulder Empire burdens as well. Delegates to two successive Imperial Conferences have agreed upon this, yet, as the figures show, there are still countries which are not bearing their fair share of the burden. Guard,tag Against Aggression. " No independent people can ask that their defence should be provided for them, and I am certain that ewry Dominion will expend as much as it can to ease Britain's huge burden. The conference has done a great deal to present defence problems in a different light, and I am confident that increasing recognition will be accorded their own responsibilities by the Dominions." Mr. Bruce pointed out that events in the Pacific in close proximity to Australia and New Zealand made it imperative that these countries should realise that thoy existed in a world of realities and not" one of abstract theories. "To deceive ourselves is to live in a paradise of fools," he said. " Our actions should be as candid as our utterances. Our circumstances place us above suspicion. The world realises that we have no ancient grudges, no bitter animosities, no predatory designs. We are enlightened democracies faced with the tremendous task of developing virgin countries. »We can therefore approach the question of defence freely, openly and without shame, "While sincerely desiring peace, and subscribing to every organisation, which promoted it, it is incumbent upon us in our own interests and in f he larger interests of civilisation to protect ourselves against possible aggression. If all the nations were in the same stage of development as ourselves, we would, bo justified in leaving the issue to the moral influence of. the world. But, unfortunately, ' that is not. so. To preserve peace it is necessary to prevent war," Invitation to New Zealand. Mr. Bruce said he thought he was right in saying that Australia and New Zealand ■were,the only two Dominions which had taken the question of defence seriously, • the other Dominions having apparently ffdled to appreciate that their interests Avero so. closely allied to those of the Empire that it was . vital they should seo that no portion was left unguarded. In this respect Mr. Bruce showed that in expenditure oil naval defence Great Britain spent 25s 7d per head, Canada Bd, Australia 17s 2d, New Zealand 6s 9d, and South Africa 2d. " Destiny points inevitably to closer cooperation between Australia and New Zealand on the question of defence," added Mr. Bruce. " Our ideals are the same and our interests common,, There should be regular interchange of ideas hetween the two Dominions and the closest possible contact between tho various branches of defence. Neither country can afford to see the other molested. "My Government is prepared at any time t& meet representatives of the New Zealand Government to deal with ithe formulation of a defence programme suitable to our national and economic circumstances. So long as our motives remain unquestionable we can play an important part in promoting peace in tho Pacific, but without adequate defence we will invite wai'j endanger our countries and lose our stal s and dignity as free peoples."