THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES THURSDAY, August 10, 1939. THE DEFENCE PROGRAMME

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23883, 10 August 1939, Page 10

THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES THURSDAY, August 10, 1939. THE DEFENCE PROGRAMME

While issues of a party political complexion inevitably claim a large share of attention in relation to the Government's administrative activities, a question which is removed from the party sphere, yet must be regarded at the present time as of paramount national importance, is that of defence. Lacking provision for its security, the Dominion would be in a parlous situation. The Government of the day consequently carries a heavy responsibility in the matter of adequate assessment and meeting of the defence requirements of the country at this juncture of tension in international relationships, and in the necessity imposed upon it, as upon other Empire Governments, of energetic action to build up rapidly a defence system equal to the demands of a possible emergency. The steps which it is taking to this end are of great interest to the people of the Dominion as a whole. And, whatever they may think about the Government's expenditure in some directions, they are scarcely likely to consider any cost which, in accordance with e>xpert advice, it seems necessary to it to incur for defence purposes as greater than the circumstances warrant. Speaking in the House of Representatives this week, the Minister of Defence furnished additional information respecting the progress that is being made with the defence programme. He traversed to some extent the report made to the Government by Major-general Mackesy, expressing the conclusions formed by him after the defence conference in Wellington in May last. It is to be gathered that the recommendations embodied in this report were of a far-reaching nature, and that, while some of them have been adopted by the Government, others are under consideration. The Minister is entitled to credit for the manner in which, with the assistance of skilled advice, he seems to be pushing on, as fast as circumstances permit, the various measures that constitute the necessary factors in defensive preparation. The expenditure is being heavily increased. The figures in that connection cited by the Minister, filling out the Budget announcement of a capital expenditure upon the three services exceeding five millions spread over two years, show that maintenance costs will approximate three millions per annum, and that for all purposes there will be an expenditure during the present financial year of about £5,400,000, or more than double that of last year. The figures may seem impressive but no reasonable person will grudge such an outlay as an investment for security in order that the Dominion may be protected against possible attack. The Minister spoke of the territorial land force, which in respect of recruits coming strictly within the combatant category, is still somewhat short of the desired establishment of 16,000, as capable of holding the coast defences of the Dominion against an attack from the sea, and of giving a good account of itself against possible raiders endeavouring to penetrate inland. He expressed confidence, also, that the expanded territorial force at full strength will progress just as quickly in fighting efficiency as it has done in numbers. It seems necessary to remark, however, that men cannot be trained as rapidly as they can be enlisted. The establishment of the territorial force has been quickly reached, but the existence of this force does not in itself afford security, because it is not a trained force, though it is imperative that it should be such. The value of the territorial regiments against a possible invader will be proportionate to the efficiency they develop as fighting troops. The Minister has given an indication of the heavy cost involved in the acquisition by the Government of essential modern military equipment of various kinds and of the difficulties in getting some of these orders filled. Provision for mobilisation upon lines recommended by Major-gen-eral Mackesy is also part of the general programme to ensure military preparedness.