The Southland Times SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1939. Defence And Public Opinion

Southland Times, Issue 23734, 4 February 1939, Page 4

The Southland Times SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1939. Defence And Public Opinion

Speaking at Wellington on Thursday Earl Beatty said that from what he had seen in his travels “the position of weakness in this part of the Empire” is “something to be regarded with concern by those who live here.” On the same day the Minister of Defence announced complacently that “several” armoured machinegun carriers are on the water and will arrive in New Zealand next month, “while the first consignment of Bren light machine-guns has already been received in Wellington.” It would be interesting to know the size of this consignment, if it is to be followed at early dates by further and substantial supplies, and if there are adequate stocks of ammunition for feeding the weapons in a time of emergency. Even if these questions could be answered satisfactorily it is disturbing to realize that after three years of Labour rule, during which the world situation has grown progressively and noticeably worse, the Minister of Defence is able to speak of the arrival of the first modern machine-gun/ as if it meant the completion of some great preparatory effort in organizing the country’s defence. If he had announced the arrival of submarines or a fleet of motor torpedo boats, or a sudden wave of enthusiasm at the recruiting offices for the Territorial Army it would be easier to applaud, and to express satisfaction because the country s security was the subject of ceaseless thought and effort by the Government.

But it is not only the Government that shows a kind of lassitude whenever there is talk of defence. The people of New Zealand have their future safety in their own hands. At present they seem to accept the Government at its own valuation and to believe without question that everything essential is already being done to protect these shores from raids or invasion.’ It is true that there have been isolated cases of public-spirited action. In the face of a disheartening apathy various leagues are striving to arouse public opinion to a realization of probable dangers. A few weeks ago, for instance, the Invercargill City Council passed a resolution urging more active provision for the safety of the civil population and promising its support if any “obligatory” form of military service were found’necessary. But the general public remains curiously passive. That its apathy is not the result of an indifference to, ’or lack of information on, foreign affairs has just been demonstrated in Auckland, where a public meeting large enough to fill the Town Hall unanimously carried a resolution asking for the reinstatement of broadcasts on world affairs which were recently banned by the Minister of Broadcasting. These people were sufficiently, interested in foreign politics to take concerted action in the hope of retaining a service which seemed to them to provide a satisfying background to the news. It is reasonable to assume that they are showing an intelligent interest in what is happening in Europe and are therefore in a position to know the special dangers which are likely to threaten every part of the British Empire if the next crisis precipitates a world war. Yet how many of these persons would attend a mass meeting convened for a discussion on the vital problems of defence in New Zealand? Only a few days ago an attempt was made at Winton to stimulate interest in the formation of a mounted rifle troop, but no young men attended the meeting, and apparently the project was abandoned. This is typical of an attitude which seems to exist in every part of the country. Everybody is interested in world affairs: only a small minority of realists is ready to face the implications of recent events.

In Britain the realization of danger has been followed by intensive efforts to increase the nation’s armaments and military efficiency, and to organize the defence of the civilian population. Every day brings new messsages describing the progress of the national service campaign. Yet in New Zealand, where British leadership is still a tradition, the stubborn apathy continues. The present and urgent need is for an adequate and fully equipped citizens’ army, early additions to the naval units in these waters (especially submarines), and local organizations in every province to support and collaborate with the defence authorities. The safety of the British Empire depends on the most complete cooperation between all its selfgoverning units. “If one goes,” said Earl Beatty, “we all go.” This Dominion is the weakest link in the Empire, and it is a truism of strategy that a surprise attack has most chance of succeeding where there is likely to be the smallest resistance. Until these truths are recognized and made the basis of determined action it is merely idle to talk of any kind of security in New Zealand.