DEFENCE EFFORTS APPROVED

Southland Times, Issue 23513, 20 May 1938, Page 2

DEFENCE EFFORTS APPROVED

AUSTRALIAN SUPPORT FOR BRITAIN Resolutions expressing approval of the efforts of Great Britain towards retrmament, urging upon the Australian Government the need for the tuition of citizens in anti-gas measures, and emphasizing the importance of a strong air force and the building up of an adequate Empire Mercantile Marine were passed unanimously at the recent annual meeting in Melbourne of the Australian Navy League Council. The resolutions are as follows:— “This annual conference of the Navy League Council is deeply concerned at the turbulent and threatening international situation throughout the world, and is convinced of the imperative necessity for all portions of the British Empire to adopt vigorous and adequate defence measures for their own protection, and the preservation of the integrity of the Empire. To that end we heartily approve the Herculean rearmament efforts being put forth by Great Britain, and our unswerving support of the defence programme announced by the Commonwealth Government in the interests of national peace and safety, and urge all loyal Australians to stand solidly together in this common interest.” “In view of the wonderful advance in modem armaments the Navy League Council emphasizes the necessity and importance of an adequate air force to act as the eyes of the fleet and loyally co-operate with the naval and military arms in defence matters.” “This council urges upon the Commonwealth Government the over-rid-ing importance of anti-gas measures for the protection of the civilian population particularly in maritime cities and towns, including demonstrations, lectures, distribution of literature, broadcasting information on necessary precautions in case of emergency, and above all the provision of gas masks and shelters. As the public are at present in complete ignorance on these matters a definite forward move is imperative. ,> It was also resolved, “That definite support and encouragement be given by the Commonwealth Government to the training of men for the Merchant Service, and the building up and maintenance of an extensive and efficient Empire Mercantile Marine as an important and essential adjunct to a powerful navy, without which naval operations would be enormously restricted or rendered impotent. The council respectfully directs the attention of the Government to the enormous declension in British mercantile tonnage since 1918.”