Bay of Plenty Beacon Published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 1947 EMPIRE DEFENCE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 8, 21 March 1947, Page 4

Bay of Plenty Beacon Published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 1947 EMPIRE DEFENCE

THROUGHOUT the history of the British Empire the heavy burden of defence borne by the United Kingdom has been a notable feature. That was expected in the days when the colonies were young and undeveloped, but since the First World War it has been increasingly obvious that the Dominions, who are now wealthy nations enjoying the benefits, of freedom within the Empire, have not contributed their share towards defence. The well-known British publicist, Mr Vernon Bartlett, has said that he thinks it is time the Dominions paid more towards Commonwealth defence. A serious note was struck by Mr Bartlett when he said that Britain was now too poor to bear the same cost as in the past. The problems of warfare are not today what they were when the Second World War began. Viscount Montgomery’s

extensive journeyings have been undertaken to enable him to gain a picture of the needs in'devising an adequate plan for Empire defence. New Zealand and Australia are naturally most interested in the defence of the Pacific and Indian Oceans and also in plans for the Far East. Much will depend upon the attitude of India when she gains full selfgovernment. It is unlikely that she will allow British garrisons to remain in her territory, but will demand the withdrawal of Indiah troops from Basra, Burma, and Malaya. If that is India’s decision a very difficult situation will be created. Whatever the outcome of these questions, it is obvious that both New Zealand and Australia will have to assume much greater responsibility for their defence than they have in the past. So far the New Zealand Government has not given any indication of what plans it may have for defence.