STRONGER DEFENCES

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18203, 26 September 1933, Page 5

STRONGER DEFENCES

AUSTRALIA’S PLANS OUTLINE BY MINISTER DANGER OF AGGRESSION (Elec. Tel. Copyright —United Press Assn.) (Received Sept- 26, noon.) SYDNEY, Sept. 2b. Sir George Pearce, Minister of Defence, addressing the Millions Club today, outlined the Commonwealth Government’s defence policy. The proposals include extensive naval and air force additions, Up manufacture of arms and munitions in Australia, the strengthening of coastal fortresses, the creation of armored ear units, and closer co-operation with New Zealand and Britain.

The Commonwealth would aim to provide up efficient squadron of ships which would dovetail in with the Imperial defence policy. Provision would bo. made for necessary bases for equipment, fuel, stores, and the training of personnel, which would ensure mobility and efficiency UpTo-dale new armaments would be. installed on the coastal fortresses.. The Government would embark oil the manufacture of a considerably Larger quantity of small arms ammunition than in former years. MODERN AIRCRAFT

Steps would be taken this year to bring the Australian Army into line with the mechanisation of the British Army. An aimored ear regiment would he raised in 'districts where the Light Horse Regiment was formerly raised, while provision would be made for a larger number of armored ears for the protection of the coastline, a pattern being evolved suitable for local conditions"'. The Government hoped to produce these in the Australian munition factories, and large numbers would be available in case of emergency. Troops would be trained in future in large camps instead of small unit camps. Sir George Pearce announced that whereas five years ago only 30 per cent, of the munitions used by the Australian Navy were made in Australia, the output. this year would be 90 per cent. In regard to the development of the Air Force, the Government intended to replace the wastage with most modern aircraft.

The Minister went on to say that the Government would aim at a naval squad ron of four effective cruisers in full commission. with the requisite aircraft, destroyer leader and four destroyers, and fully commissioned sloops and survey vessels for essential peacetime' use and as mine sweepers in war-time. ATTITUDE COMMENDED The essential features of the naval policy, the Minister explained, was that aircraft were a vital auxiliary to both the navy and the army, and that ships' officers and men must be interchangeable with the Royal Navy, which meant that the ships must be built on identical lines and have identical armaments, with the personnel trained on the same standard. Sir George Pearce emphasised that the Government’s policy was intended to strengthen Australian defences in view of the danger of aggression and to help in protecting trade routes. He appealed for support from employers and employees, and asked that the matter be treated as non-political.

The Minister added that negotiations were now going on with the New Zealand Government with the object of restoring the close defence liaison which had existed in pre-war days. Mr. W. M- Hughes and other speakers, commending) Sir George Pearce’s speech, said it was remarkable because it was delivered prior to the Federal Budget, and also for the fact that it contained no element likely to arouse hostility in any other country. The Sydney Morning Herald, m a leader on the. defence policy, says: - “That there has been real concern at Canberra is clear enough, and we know that the British authorities have been in constant touch with our own Defence Department. The situation in Europe lias developed from day to day along lilies which have caused increasing alarm. Also, the position in the Pacific, with the American and Japanese navies demonstrating their-strength, lias caused thoughtful citizens to make demands for information as to taie Federal Government's intentions.

“Broadly, the truth is that nothing we can do will serve to protect us from invasion in the immediate future. Sir George Pearce does not offer the Government plan with that in view, but we must believe that the proposals are the result' of earnest thinking and sound wisdom, made, complete bv full agreement with the Mother Country as to the best course to pursue.”