DEFENCE POLICY

Taranaki Daily News, 26 September 1933, Page 7

DEFENCE POLICY

AUSTRALIA’S NEW ARMS

LARGER NAVY AND AIR FORCE

IMPERIAL CO-OPERATION

STRONG COAST FORTRESSES

MECHANISATION OF ARMY

By Telegraph—Pres? Assn.—Copyright Rec. 745 p.m. Sydney, Sept. 25. Sir George Pearce, Minister of Defence, addressing the Millions Club to-day, outlined the Commonwealth Government’s defence policy. The proposals include extensive naval and air force additions, the manufacture of arms and munitions in Australia, strengthening the coastal fortresses, the creation of armoured car units and closer co-operation with New Zealand and Britain. . ’' The Commonwealth, Sir George said, would aim to provide an efficient squad' ron of ships which would dovetail with the Imperial defence policy. Provision would be made for necessary bases for equipment and fuel stores and training personnel which would ensure mobility and efficiency. Up-to-date new armament would be Installed in coastal fortresses. The Government would embark on the manufacture of a considerably larger quantity of small arms and ammunition than in former years, Steps would be taken this year to bring the Australian Army into line with the mechanisation of the British Army. .An armoured car regiment would be raised In the district where a light horse regiment was formerly raised, while provision would be made for a larger number of armoured cars for protection of the coastline; a pattern would be evolved suitable for local conditions. The Government hoped to produce these in Australian munition factories and large numbers would be available in case of emergency. ■ Troops would be trained in future in large camps instead of in small unit camps. Sir George announced that whereas five years ago only thirty per cent., of the munitions used by the Australian Navy were made in Australia the output this year would be ninety per cent. In regard to the development of the air force Sir George said the Government intended to replace wastage with the most modem aircraft. Sir George said the Government would aim at a naval squadron of four effective cruisers in full commission with requisite aircraft, a destroyer leader, four destroyers in full commission, sloops and surveying vessels for essential peacetime service and use as minesweepers in wartime. Essential features of naval policy, he explained, were that aircraft were a vital auxiliary both to the navy and army, and that ships, officers and men must be interchangeable with the Royal Navy, 'which meant that ships must be built on identical lines with identical armaments and with the personnel trained to the same standard. Sir George 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-poiitical. He added that negotiations were now going on with the New Zealand Government with the object of restoring the close defence liaison that existed in pre-war days. Mr. W. M. Hughes and other speakers, commending Sir George's speech, said it was remarkable because it was delivered prior to the Federal Budget, also for the fact that it contained no element likely to arouse hostility in any other country.