DEFENCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20622, 22 July 1930, Page 12

DEFENCE.

Sir.—A few years ago a ■cartoon appeared in the Sydney Bulletin. It depicted John Bull seated at a tablo looking at a map, America and Japan standing behind him and Australia making for the door. Says John Bull: "Here, young man, come and sit down. I want a serious talk with you about the Singapore base and your naval defence problem." Australia: "Oh, let it slido. I'm busy—there's a football match on 's afternoon." New Zealand is wo suppose not to be outdone by Australia. Our territorial army is abolished in a night and not a word of protest to bo heard from the people. We are to be left at the mercy of any foreign power with ambition enough to annex us for their teeming millions. What say the lords of the admiralty ? That if the reductions proposed in the Navy by the British Government are carried out it will be impossible to adequately protect the far-flung Dominions! Are we then counting on the United States of America to protect us in our hour of need. If so can we, already deeply in debt, find the "almighty dollars" to pay her with ? Perhaps before wo had scratched round for an adequate sum our boys would be butchered, and our girls, God help them! Bat let it slide, "There's % football match on 's afternoon." New Zealand.