BURDEN OF DEFENCE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26175, 11 June 1946, Page 5

BURDEN OF DEFENCE

DOMINIONS’ SHARE INCREASE AGREED TO (N.Z.P.A. Special Correspondent) (Rec. 8 p.m.) LONDON, June 10. The sequel to the recent Prime Ministers’ discussions, at which it was generally agreed that the dominions should take an increased share of the burden of defence, will, it is expected, be the establishment of organisations in London and New Zealand to exchange a flow of military information. It is understood that the New Zealand organisation in London will be headed by Brigadier R. S. Park and Air Commodore M. W. Buckley, together with a scientific liaison officer to be appointed. This liaison staff will collate information made available by the Imperial chiefs of staff in London for transmission to New Zealand. In the Dominion an organisation representing the chiefs of staff will receive information for submission to the New Zealand Government. They will

also forward the latest information to Brigadier Park and Air Commodore Buckley, who will be in constant communication with the Imperial chiefs of staff.

A decision will be taken by the New Zealand Government on the size of the New Zealand standing forces. These will fit in with the Commonwealth plan and also with the plans for U.N.O. security It is thought that the New Zealand forces may mainly be naval and air, and that her army establishment will not be large, but sufficient for territorial training. It is also expected that there will be a permanent United Kingdom military mission in Australia, working in co-operation with both Australia and New Zealand. These dominions, whose main interest is, of course, in the Pacific, will also work jointly, and it is anticipated that New Zealand will increase her liaison officers in Australia. There was only one before the war, based in Melbourne. A full political understanding between the two dominions is regarded as essential, based on the principles of the Canberra Pact. One of the important questions discussed by the Prime Ministers was the future use of Pacific bases and America's interest in securing Canton. Furiufuti. and Christmas Islands. No decision was reached on the joint responsibility •with other Pacific Powers in the scheme of regional defence. It is understood that these negotiations are temporarily at a standstill.