DEFENCE NEEDS.
1 "'.IrtiW.ZEALAND'S DUTY
VIEWS OF SIR A. RUSSELL
. 'lt is no, use feeling socuro unless we are sufficiently well armed for the rest of the world to say we Are not worth tackling," said Major-General Sir : Andrew Russell, in an address on defence to the Napier Rotary Club. Sir Andrew emphasised that New Zealand was the weakest link in the Imperial chain, and it was up to her not only to provide for her defence in case of attack, hut also to make provision for a small expeditionary force, that would be available in case of trouble in-.the near East. ■
; Visualising a sudden and strong su» prise .ftttaejk on the Dominion by a powerful nation, Sir Andrew said the Pacific Squadron would in all probability be shattered or annihilated before it-prepared for. battle, or would be-tM>£tled up in the shelter of Singapore. New Zealand's position in case of trouble in Europe which prevented the arrival of aid from England would be hopeless.
A'tft ARM AND OVERSEAS FORCE : Sir, Andrew referred to the visit of Wirig : Comraander Cochrane to New Zealand, and said it was his belief that the country"'should be equipped with An air force sufficient to deal with raids:and, in addition, to this, about 500 pilots as higtny trained ns it was possible to make them in this country should be at'the. disposal of the Inipenal defence authorities. ".....£'.t think we should also be prepared tp„"finjd a. small expeditionary force of between- 3000 and 4000 men, say, a .brigade, and a number of mounted 7ffen," he added. "Trouble is ever likely in the East about Palestine, and in .the "event of the Mediterranean being. .closed., to transports xind battle fleets it would be quicker for a force from Australia and New Zealand to enter l»y the back door than i would bo, for troops from Great Britain to go round the Cape. In addition to this, it is my belief that men from Australia- and New Zealand could become acclimatised in half the time, and rhiik- be twice' as efficient.''
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Bibliographic details
Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19247, 12 February 1937, Page 12
Word Count
343DEFENCE NEEDS. Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19247, 12 February 1937, Page 12
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