CANADIAN DEFENCE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23019, 22 April 1938, Page 8

CANADIAN DEFENCE

1 The announcement of detailed steps increase Canadian armament and trained personnel marks another stage in the advance from the calm indifference toward external danger which seemed at one time to characterise that Dominion's policy. Four destroyers will be purchased, increasing the establishment to six. Canada has had four destroyers for a considerable time. Recently two, which had become obsolete, were replaced. Evidently the other two are now to be replaced and two more added to the number, making the establishment six up-to-date vessels. The intention to acquire four mine sweepers, now stated to be under construction, was made known some time ago. The purchase of 200 aeroplanes, and the

doubling of air personnel indicate increased attention to this vital modern branch of the services. The plans for the militia suggest reorganisation and rearming rather than any special increase in strength. The announcement speaks of training arrangements for 50,000 men. Already there has been some degree of training for a non-permanent militia of 46,340 men. It may be assumed that the object is to develop a small, well-trained force, equipped in accordance with modern mechanised practice. The programme as a whole shows that concrete results have come from the intensified recent discussion of defence and external policy. Though it is an advance, it is still very moderate insurance for 10,000,000 people and the great industrial wealth of Canada. The changed world situation, particularly new developments in the Pacific, have shaken Canada to this extent from the old complacence, but the country is a long way from being heavily armed in comparison with many other countries with far less to lose.