THE MILITARY FORCES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23226, 21 December 1938, Page 12

THE MILITARY FORCES

In three months' time, MajorGeneral J. E. Duigan is due to retire from his position as Chief of the General Staff in New Zealand. Whether he relinquishes his command or whether he is asked to continue for an additional period is a matter for Government decision but, according to the Minister of Defence, Mr. Jones, it has not yet been officially considered. For some time now there has been dissatisfaction in many quarters with the state of the Dominion's land forces and the policy which has been adopted for their organisation. This does not imply criticism of Major-General Duigan, who has a sound record of conscientious service, but, if there is to be a new appointment next year, there is a growing body of opinion that for a period, at any rate, it would be desirable to have an Imperial Army officer of high standing in command of New Zealand's land forces. Those who are concerned with the present military position point to the marked advances which have been made recently in the New Zealand Naval Squadron and,, in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, both of which, are commanded by expert advisers on loan to the Dominion from the British Government. From this the inference can be drawn ' that the native-born' Army officer, no matter how efficient a soldier ho may be, is without honour among the. politicians of his own country. In . addition, it is reasonable to point out that senior officers in the New Zealand Staff Corps have had to contend with so many conflicting poli-; cies in the past that leadership which would carry weight -intho political as well as the military sphere would be to their own ultimate advantage. World conditions are such that national defence is of paramount importance and the Government should be guided by the most efficient advisers whose services it can obtain.; N