SCHEME FOR EXCHANGE OF MILITARY INFORMATION

Chronicle (Levin), 11 June 1946, Page 4

SCHEME FOR EXCHANGE OF MILITARY INFORMATION

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CSnecial

Received Alonday, 7 p.m. LONDON, June. 10. A sequel to the recent Prime Alinister's diseussiohs at which it was generally agreed the Dominions should take an increased share of the burden of defenee, will, it is expected, be the establishment of organisations in London and New Zealand to exchange a flow of military information. It is understood the New Zealand organisation in London will be headed by Brigadier Park and Air Commodore Bucklev, together with a seientifie liaison officer to be appointed. This liaison staif will eollate information made availalxle by the Imperial Chiefs of Staff in London, for transinission to New Zealand. In the Dominion an organisation representing the Chiefs of Staff, will receive the information for submission to the New Zealand Government. They will also forward latest information to Brigadier Park and Air Commodore Buckley who will be in constant communication with the Imperial Chiefs of Staff. A decision will be taken by the New Zealand Government on the size of the New Zealand standing foi'cfts. Thesd will fit in with the Commonwealth plan and also plans for UNO security. It is tlionght that the New7 Zealand forces may jnainly be~Navy and Air aird that her 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, 'of course, in the Pacific, will also work jointly and it is anticipated New Zealand will inerease her liaison officers in Australia. There was oniy one before the war, based in Melbourne. Full political understanding betwfeen the two Dominions is regarcled as es-st-ntial, based on the pi;inciples of the Ganberra Pact. One of the important questions discussed by^the Prime Ministers wras the future use' of Pacific bases and America's interest in securing Canton, Funufuti and Christmak Islands. No decision was reached on joint responsibilitv with other Pacific Powers in the scheme jof regional defenee. It is imderstood -these negotiations are temporarily at [ a standstiU, 9 1