DEFENCE PLANS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21185, 4 November 1938, Page 11

DEFENCE PLANS

RAPID EXPANSION IM AUSTRALIA United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph —Copyright CANBERRA, November 2. The Prime Minister (Mr J. A. Lyons) anounced in the House of Representatives that fifty Lockheed Hudson aircraft would be ordered from the United States for the Royal Australian Air Force. The machines will cost £1,250,000. He added that an intensive drive would be made immediately to bring the militia forces, to seventy thousand by voluntary enlistment fbr service within Australia. Reply to Criticism The reply by the Prime Minister to the censure motion of the Leader of the Opposition was devoted mainly to shoeing the way in which the Government had developed Australia’s defences, after finding them reduced to low strengths by the previous Labour Government. The Minister of Defence (Mr H. V. Thorby), in his speech, defied anybody to find fault with the defence organisation now being carried out. “NEV ZEALAND THE WEAK LINK’ AUSTRALIAN MINISTER’S STATEMENT x Onlted Press Association—By Electric Teleeraoh— Copyright (Received November 3, 6.30 p.m.) CANBERRA, November 3. Mr H. V. Thorby (Minister of Defence) said: “New Zealand is the weak link in the whole Empire chain and the strength of our sister Dominion is vital to us.” Mr Thorby added that owing to the progress of the Australian organisation, Australia had been able to assist sister Dominions. UNABLE TO PURCHASE ARMS CANADA MAY BE FORCED TO MAKE MUNITIONS tinned Press Association —Bv Electric Teleeraph—Copyrlizht (Received November 3. 6.30 p.m.) O'f’TAWA, November 2. With nations all rearming the Government is unab/e to purchase for Coastal defence, artillery, tanks and armoured cars, and is considering the establishment of a munitions industry. Parliament during the forthcoming session Is td be asked to authorise 50.000,000 doilats initial expenditure. The Government hopes the War Office will co-operite regarding patents find expert workers. Lfirge scale contracts fbr British planes manufactured in Canada are expected prior to the end of the year.