EMPIRE DEFENCE PLAN

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24898, 11 June 1946, Page 5

EMPIRE DEFENCE PLAN

N.Z. Liaison With Britain

FUTURE SIZE OF FORCES (Special Correspondent N.Z.PA.) (Rec. 10 p.m.) LONDON. JunelO. A sequel to the recent Dominion Prime Ministers’ discucsions at which it was generally agreed the Dominions should take an increased share in WO burden of defence will, it is expected, be the establishment of organisations in London and New Zealand to exchange military information. It i* understood that the organisation in London will be neauea by Brigadier R S. Park and Air Commodore M. W. Buckley, together witn a scientific liaison officer to be apP °This d liaison staff will collate information made available by the Imperial Chiefs of Staff in London for transmission to New Zealand. In the Dommioa an organisation representing the Chiefs of Staff will receive informa-

tion for Submission to the New Zealand Government. It will also forward the latest information to Brigadier Park and Air Commodore Buckley, who will be in constant communication with the Imperial Chiefs or A decision will be taken by the New Zealand Government on the size of # the New Zealand standing forces. These will fit in with the Commonwealth plan, and also plans for UNO security. It is thought that, the New Zealand forces may be mainly Navy and Air Forces, and that the Army establishment will not be large but sufficient for territorial training. It is also expected there will be a permanent United Kingdom military mission in Australia working in cooperation with both Australia and New Zealand. These Dominions, whose main interest is in the Pacific, will also work jointly, and it is anticipated that New Zealand will increase her liaison officers in Australia. There was only one before the war stationed In Melbourne. Full political understanding between the two Dominion# based on the principles of the Canberra Pact is regarded as essential. One of the important questions discussed by the Prime Ministers was th® future use of Pacific bases and America’s interest in securing Canton, Funafuti, and Christmas Islands. No decision Was reached on joint responsibility with the other Pacific Powers in a scheme of regional defence. It it understood that these negotiations ara temporarily at a standstill.