DEFENCE POLICY.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16034, 27 January 1920, Page 3

DEFENCE POLICY.

PROTECTION FOB FUTURE.

LAND, SEA AND AIR.

WELLINGTON, Jan. 24

One of the most important matters yet to be undertaken by the Government is the definition of a new defence policy, for it is commonly agreed that there must be a new policy.

There are several questions involved in the formulation of the defence policy of the future. First of all there is Lord Jeilicoe’s report, and the action to be taken upon it. This report has not been fully considered by the Cabinet. There is also the report on air defences which should have been left with the Government by Colonel V. Bettington, who was in New Zealand f or some months for the purpose of advising the Government about the aeroplane defences. Then there is the question of the establishment and training of the territorial army and the cadets. All these three branches of the service will have to be co-ordinated in some degree, and the definition of a policy is a task of magnitude. Sir James Allen, as Minister for Defence, will have to take the first move in the matter, and he has yet to consult with his chief officers before he submits any recommendations to the Cabinet. It may be that nothing will he disclosed by the Government as to their intention until the necessary legislation, for It is presumed that legislation will be necessary, is submitted to Parliament .