AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22068, 26 September 1933, Page 7

AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE

MINISTER OUTLINES POLICY ,

NAVAL AND AIR FORCES

EXTENSIVE ADDITIONS

(United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.)

SYDNEY, September 25. (Received Sept. 25, at 9.30 p.m.) Sir George Pearce, Minister for Defence, addressing the Millions Club today, outlined the Commonwealth Government's defence policy. The proposals include extensive naval and Air Force additions, the manufacture of arms and munitions in Australia, strengthening the coastal fortresses, the creation of armoured ear units, and closer co-opera-tion with New .Zealand and Britain. The Commonwealth would aim to provide an efficient squadron of ships which ■would dovetail into the Imperial defence policy. Provision would be made for the. necessary bases, equipment, fuel, •tores and training of personnel, which ■would ensure mobility and efficiency. Up-to-date new armament would be installed at the coast fortresses. The Government •would embark on the manufacture of a considerably, larger quantity of small arms and ammunition than in former years. Steps would be taken this year to bring the Australian army into line •with -the mechanisation of the British army, an armoured car regiment would be raised in the district in which, the Light Horse'Regiment was formerly raised, while provision would be made for a larger number of armoured cars for the protection of the coastline. A {>attern would be evolved suitable for ocal, conditions, and the Government bope'd to produce these in Australian munition factories, and large numbers would be available in case of emergency. Troops would be trained, in future in large-fiamps instead of small unit camps. Sir George Pearce announced that whereas five years ago 0n1y.30 per cent, ©f the munitions used by the Australian Navy were made in Australia the output this year would ,be 90 ' per cent With regard to development of the Air Force the Government intended to replace the wastage with the most modern aircraft. . . Sir George went on to say that the Government would aim at a naval squadron of four effective cruisers in full commission, with the requisite aircraft, a destroyer leader, four destroyers in full commission, sloops, and surveying vessels for "essential peacetime use and as minesweepers in wartime. An essential feature of the naval policy, he explained, was that aircraft were a vital auxiliary both to the navy and the army, and that the ships' officers and men must be interchangeable with the . Royal, Navy, which meant that the ships must be built on identi'cal lines and with identical armaments, with the personnel trained U> thefeame standard. Sir (George emphasised that the Government's policy, was intended to strengthen the Australian defences with a view to the danger of aggression end to help in protecting trade routes. He appealed for the support of employers and employees and asked that the matter be treated as non-political. He added that negotiations were how going on with the New Zealand Government with the object of restoring the close defence liaison which existed in pre-war days. Mr W. M. Hughes and other speakers, fa commending . Sir George Pearco's speech, said it was remarkable becauf it was delivered prior, to the Federal Budget, and also for the fact that it contained/ no element which was likely to arouse the hostility of any other country.