THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS MONDAY, MARCH 28, 1938 NO DEFENSIVE REACTION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22998, 28 March 1938, Page 8

THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS MONDAY, MARCH 28, 1938 NO DEFENSIVE REACTION

The increasing menace of the world outlook has forced most countries to re-examine the question of security and accelerate defence programmes. In great democracies and in small, as well as in the dictatorships, the reaction has been the same and immediate. New Zealand alone remains unmoved, the Government slack and torpid, without a policy to meet the changed international situation. Inaction here contrasts shabbily with the active response in most other parts of the British Empire, except Eire, an Empire suddenly conscious of its vulnerability and seeking to cover itself by the strongest shield that can be forged. Of Britain's colossal effort, everyone knows. Of her reluctance to devote so much money, material and man-power to rearmament, all are equally well aware. But the British Government and people are persuaded of the urgent and paramount necessity, a necessity that the New Zealand Government still seeks to hide and ignore, alone among the overseas Dominions. Last week's news recorded, as well as Britain's resolute stand, the support of South Africa and the new defence programmes of Canada and Australia. Certain of the Crown Colonies have also recently voted special contributions toward Empire security. This morning it is recorded that even the free Legislature of Jersey has adopted compulsory military training, preparing to do what little it can for its own defence. Jersey is a land like Denmark that might well conclude it could do nothing against mighty neighbours. Both countries, however, are increasing their insurance cover because they care enough for freedom to attempt its defence. Much nearer home, New Zealanders were impressed on Friday to learn of Australia's new defence programme. It has been left to a Labour Government to cause the Dominion to find good examples in the Commonwealth, in this as in other matters. New Zealand prefers to "lead the world" and the Empire from the rear. The sturdy patriotism of Seddon, Ward and Massey has! been succeeded by the irresponsi-1 bility of Mr. Savage. So now it is, Australia and not New Zealand that is foremost. among the Dominions in following Britain's lead. Yet the situation of the two Dominions in a troubled world is much the same. Both must be aware that it will be 1942 before Britain can work out in ships her policy of a two-hemisphere Navy. In the meanwhile the Navy must be concentrated in the Western Hemisphere. Singapore has been made a strong base, but must remain virtually impotent except in a passive way until a battle fleet is stationed there. Hence Australia and New Zealand have reason to reflect on their isolation, with little cover except such as they can themselves provide. Australia has reflected and acted. Before the latest crisis she had adopted and was working out a comprehensive and well co-ordinated programme. In answer to the aggravated challenge of the new events, she has more than doubled her provision. The ordinary programme required £18,200,000 in the next three years; an extraordinary programme has been added to cost a further £24,800,000. Her annual expenditure now rises to over £2 a head, whereas New Zealand's is as low as £l. Yet, by comparison with Britain's, Australia's security is under-insured. What, in that case, should be said of New Zealand's? One feature of the Australian plans is the predominant part allotted to naval defence, now as heretofore. Mr. Lyons considers it far better to repulse an enemy at sea than to fight raiders after they land. Australia is therefore purchasing two Sydney-type cruisers, and by this single decision augments her naval strength by as much as New Zealand's total naval force. The Dominion, it should be remembered, does not own but merely maintains I the two Sydney-type cruisers based on Devonport. Here is a direction in which New Zealand might well emulate Australia, doing her part in providing as formidable a naval screen for the South-West Pacific as means will permit. At the same time much greater use could be made of the yachting personnel in the organisation of coastal defence. Britain has shown the way in this particular matter. In a smaller way several of the small nations are concentrating on deterrent naval defence. Thus Denmark is busy with torpedo boats, submarines, mine sweepers and layers. Whether New Zealand is wise to neglect such precautions almost entirely is open to doubt. More emphasis is being placed here on air defence, although the lack of the most modern machines is total. As to land defence, the less said the better. The worst feature in all this is that the Government is making no effort to repair these glaring deficiencies. It has observed the violent fate that has recently overtaken other helpless countries; it must have noted the energetic reaction toward preparedness throughout the world, even to its Australian neighbour. Yet the Government makes no move to discharge its first duty to the people, the duty of providing an adequate defence of their security. Achievement in other directions! is I incidental; failure in this is cardinal [ and fatal.