CAUSE FOR CONCERN

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 18087, 7 August 1936, Page 9

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

INTERNATIONAL OUTLOOK N.Z.’S WEAK DEFENCES UPPER HOUSE DEBATE (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, last night. In tho Legislative Council yesterday the lion. W. Ferry moved the following motion, notice of which he had given previously: “That to enable New Zealand to fulfil her Empire and League obligations, it is essential that urgent action be taken to bring the country s defence forces to a strength commensurate- with those obligations.”

Mr. Ferry said that though lie was no alarmist, the Empire was in deadly peril. The international situation was such as to give cause for the greatest apprehension. It appeared that international agreements were no longer sacred, and it, might be said that the post-war era was an era of broken treaties. He traced the history ot nations breaking away from the League of Nations and said that, owing to the weak navy, Britain’s voice did not. carry its former influence in securing peace. The mercantile marine was weak, and history showed that empires had deteriorated by neglecting sea power. Nations had discovered that Britain could be starved into submission, and that was a vulnerable point. Unless those gaps were repaired quickly, the Empire was in grave peril.

He contended that New Zealand could help by providing a cruiser or submarines for the New Zealand division of the Royal Navy, and could also provide aeroplanes or such parts as could be manufactured here. It was essential that there should be a suliieieney of trained pilots. A citizen army could also be trained, and, at least, a medical corps could be trained and reserves, stores and equipment conserved. New Zealand should adopt a definite plan. The Hon. F. Waite seconded the motion. He said that all desired peace. -V dictatorship could move rapidly, but a democracy moved slowly. J here must be the fullest co-operation of the three services in New Zealand. The defence of this Dominion was Empire defence. It was the duty of New Zealand first to provide protection for her communication lines and overseas trade. The naval services were the only ones that could ho called efficient. New Zealand must, co-operate with other Dominions in the provision of an armed squadron at Singapore, making it impossible for the enemy to operate in the Pacific or the Indian Oceans. Auckland and Wellington, with their docks, must be fully protected. A survey of transport was necessary. Aeroplanes should be adaptable for service. Motor lorries and tractors would provide mechanical transport, and firms might be subsidised to use lorries of a certain type. The lion. 1). Buddo said any Government must consider the necessity of defence.

The Hon. V. Ward said there must bo unity of service, as well as of senti-, nient, to maintain the Empire. The Hon. M. Fagan said it was the Government’s intention to reorganise the whole defence system so as to ensure that money would not be wasted and the. most modern means of defence would be provided.