AUSTRALIA'S AIR POLICY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22353, 26 February 1936, Page 12

AUSTRALIA'S AIR POLICY

The Tasman Sea threatens to become a bone of contention over which rival interests, aspiring for the control of this section of the Empire air route, will thrash out the merits of their opposing claims. The advantageous proposals of the Imperial Government have been turned down quite firmly by the Australian Government, which openly prefers local management to a centralised scheme, mainly on the grounds of defence for its own territories. However much might be said in favour of Australia's attitude, it is obvious that the counter-proposals are all based on her own needs and therefore are subsidiary to the main point at issue—the establishment ultimately of a round-the-world air route linking all countries of the Empire. Unified control in this major scheme is a political and an economic necessity, and even though Australia is unwilling to recognise the former need she would quickly discover the existence of higher operating costs in a duplication of an air service across the Tasman.,. It is clearly stated in England that the air mail scheme will be extended to New Zealand, whether Australia co-operates or not, thus demonstrating how little weight is carried by her objections. Under the Imperial proposals Britain would bear one-half the annual upkeep of the service across the Tasman, and Australia and New Zealand each a quarter, an arrangement which seems to offer maximum benefit for the minimum expenditure. Between the Commonwealth and this Dominion, a fifty per cent share would be held, entitling both to a fifty per cent voice in the administration. This conforms with the partnership basis in South Africa and in India, the principle of which has given satisfaction to both sides and ensured a service unrivalled in regularity, safety and efficiency. Fortunately the obstructionist tactics of the Australian Government will not prevent the inclusion of New Zealand in the Empire air route, but they may result in a direct line being taken from Brisbane to New Zealand, omitting Sydney. If there had been any real justification for advancing counterclaims to the British proposal, Australia might have presented her own ideas to New Zealand before coming 'out into the.open, as there would then have been added weight behind the proposition. As it is, Australia has asked for more and might very well get less than she expectß.