THE INTERIM ARMY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26199, 9 July 1946, Page 4

THE INTERIM ARMY

It is stated by the Minister of Defence that the express purpose of the interim army is to enable those who desire to be released from the forces to achieve that end. The purpose is a worthy one, but the objections which have been made to the conditions of service in the interim army are such that it is to be doubted if that scheme will provide the solution. It would appear to be more desirable to have proceeded with enlistments for the regular forces and to build up a nucleus which could be expanded when New Zealand’s commitments are defined. Mr Jones states that the whole question of defence is still to be discussed by the War Council, and some time ago the Prime Minister said that two questions governing the matter were the Dominion’s share in the defence of the British Commonwealth and its contribution to the forces of the Security Council of the United Nations. The delays in the settlement of these matters are to be deplored, but it is clear that they are beyond the control of the- New Zealand authorities. The expedient which has been adopted to bridge the interval can, however, be criticised. It may be pointed out, for example, that, while proceeding with demobilisation, the British Government has taken steps to ensure the maintenance of the regular forces and has adopted a scheme of conscription. In this connection it is interesting to note that the reorganisation of the New Zealand Defence League is now being undertaken for the purpose of advocating compulsory training in this country. Under the interim army regulations, men may enlist for various periods up to March, 1948, and they will be “considered” for the post-war regular force and “ m ay receive ” priority employment in this force. There is little in this to appeal to men with overseas service or to young men seeking a career. As things are at present there is small inducement to remain in the regular forces, and in April it was reported that the size of those forces had diminished by more than half since 1943, and resignations were still being received. A number of promising young soldiers with

good war records, who had subsequently received regular force appointments, were reported to have resigned because of uncertainty as to their future movements. Only the early settlement of an Empire policy with exchanges of officers, opportunity for studying developments overseas, and the use in New Zealand of up-to-date equipment, as well as the reconsideration of the general conditions of service, can restore confidence in the army as a career in this country. If it should be impracticable to abandon the interim army scheme it may be necessary to alter the present regulations if sufficient men are to be attracted to enable the demobilisation of long-service men to be carried out. A greater sense of securityregarding transfer to the regular force would assist. The suggestion which was made in our news columns yesterday, that the age limit of entry should be lowered from 20 years to 18, has much to recommend it. Men over 20 are usually settled in some employment or apprenticed to trades, and those who are not are sometimes of a less suitable standard. If younger men could be encouraged to join the army, with an assurance of continued sei'vice once they had proved their worth, there would almost certainly be a stimulation in the rate of enlistments.