DEFENCE ADVISER

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22497, 14 August 1936, Page 10

DEFENCE ADVISER

EXPERT FROM ENGLAND AIR MINISTRY OFFICIAL THE (iOVKHNMENT'S VIEW "MUST HAVE A PLAN" fliv Ti:i,Ii(inAI'H—SI'ICC'IAI, HKPORTMI] W ELLINGTON, Th u rsd a y Points on which the Government desires to obtain the advice of a defence expert from overseas were outlined by the Minister of Defence, the Hon. F. Jones, during the discussion on the Estimates in the House of Representatives to-night. The Government had invited an official of tlit! Air Ministry in Great Britain to visit the Dominion, Mr. Jones said, anil in addition to advising the Government on military aviation ho would also discuss proposals for the Transtasman air service, which it was hoped to start before long. As the Prime Minister, Mr. Savage, had already informed the House, the Government was in touch with the Government of Great Britain on questions of defence, Mr. Jones continued. Certain documents relating to defence were at present secret, but when the promised debate in the Home oil defence problems took place it was probable that more complete! information would be given to members than wa* possible at present. Provision for Aeroplanes The Rt. Hon. J. G. Coatos (Opposition —Kaipara): Will the debate not end in air and wind? Mr. Jones: I don't think so. The Minister added that it was not the fault of the present Government that the military air strength of the Dominion was not greater than it was to-day. The Government was faced with the position that the previous Government had a plan for the development of the Royal Air I'orce in New Zealand, but had not carried it out. An extra flight of military aircraft was to have been provided last year, but it was not ordered.

Mr. Jones said that provision was h(Mninado for buying aeroplanes, but they could not be delivered for another ]2 months. For that reason it was no use placing a sum of UK),000 or £50,000 on this year's estimates when the machines would not be a charge on the estimates until after March 31, 1037. Difference of Opinion The Minister added that he agreed that New Zealand must have a defcnco plan. The last Government had a plan but let it break down. The present Government was trying to see that when money was spent on defence it would be spent in the right direction. Even in the Old Country there was a difference of opinion among experts as to what form of defence was best. New Zealand also had a similar problem in her own defence, and there was the larger question of the defence of tho Empire as a whole. Mr. H. S. S. Kyle (Opposition— Riecarton) said it was pleasing to hear that the Government was in touch with the authorities in Great Britain on the question of Empire defence. It was pleasant to observe the different attitude the Government was taking on defence, compared with its opinions voiced in Opposition. Military Training Question The Government could be assured, added Mr. Kyle, that the present Opposition was willing to co-operate in a common endeavour to strengthen the defences of this country. Referring to compulsory military training, Mr. Kyle recalled that a Labour Government in Australia had introduced it in 1911. Mr. J. A. Lee (Government —Grey Lynn): We do not want that here. .Mr. Kyle: You are bringing out an adviser on defence, and he may recommend it. Mr. Leo: I am afraid he won't persuade us that it is necessary. Mr. Kyle: I would not be surprised that when this adviser comes out the Labour Government will adopt compulsory military training.