AUSTRALIA'S DEFENCE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18822, 27 March 1923, Page 7

AUSTRALIA'S DEFENCE

COMMONWEALTH COUNCIL’S RECOMMENDATIONS. Press Association —By Telegraph—Copyright SYDNEY, March 26. The Commonwealth Defence Council recommends an increase in the supply of guns, ammunition, and oil. It suggests that the Lithgow small arms factory should manufacture machine guns and revolvers in addition to the 250,000 rifles at present produced annually. The council decided not to increase the training of militia. Civil aviation, it considers, should be encouraged, and the military air force should be kept up to the standard. It is proposed to approach the British Admiralty with a view to launching a scheme for the interchange of vessels of the Australian and Imperial fleets in Mediterranean and Atlantic waters, though it is acknowledged that a difficulty will Le experienced in providing oil fuel for British vessels during short periods. The council emphasises the necessity of establishing oil depots along the coast for naval purposes. The Sydney Morning Herald states it is probable that this year, when the Naval 'Estimates are considered, efforts will bo made to reinstate the submarine flotilla which, when the present Estimates were framed, was placed in reserve. It is proposed to establish a seaplane base at Rushcutters Bay, also to replace many of the guns which are guarding the harbours at present, tho pieces being obsolete. The Herald says that the Henderson naval base scheme is now considered obsolete. ONE UNIT AND ONE WHOLE. BRITISH AND DOMINION FLEETS. MELBOURNE, March 26. (Received March 26, at 10.10 p.m.) Speaking at a luncheon given by the Federal and State Ministers to thc'Commodore and officers of H.M.S. Chatham, Mr Bruce (Prime Minister) said ho looked ■forward to the time when the BritisTi and dominion fleets would work as one unit and as one whole, while each of parts preserved its own integrity. He added that the Pacific was the place where tins would happen.