ARMY AND E.P.S.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 86, Issue 118, 22 May 1942, Page 3

ARMY AND E.P.S.

DUTY OF LIAISON OFFICERS (P.A.) Auckland, May 20. In appointing regional commissioners as liaison oilicers between the Army and Emergency Precautions Services, the Government has followed the British system, which has been proved by experience to be thoroughly satisfactory. Discussing the Scheme the Hon. R. Semple said that the regional commissioners would form a connecting link between the Army and E.P.S., which as the civil wing of the defence [ system they would keep in constant , touch with the Army commands, their military knowledge enabling them to ; understand fully the requirements of strategy and tactics. Their function was to bring about, complete underr standing between the Army and E.P.S. ’ so that in time of emergency the , operations of both would be co-ordin- ' ated and confusion avoided. It was of , the highest importance that the plan , of operation could be put in motion at a moment’s notice without, misunder- ; standing or confusion, otherwise if a town were bombed from the air or shelled from the sea there might be : needless loss of life. The commissioners were directly re--1 sponsible to the Government. They 1 would report to the Minister of • National Service who, in turn, would report when necessary to the War ■ Cabinet as to the strength and efficis ency of the E.P.S. and its capacity to - work in complete co-operation with the Army and its requirements. The commissioners possessed overriding powers in connection with civilian organisation, but these would be used only when it was absolutely necessary. They would have no connection with the Home Guard, which was an integral part of the Army other than in securing a proper balance of strength between it and the E.P.S. Mr. Semple expressed confidence that the scheme, and appointments under it, would create the closest, e understanding and good will between s the military and civilian forces, and - provide machinery whereby a sudden - emergency could* be met with skilful s co-ordination.