DEFENCE POLICY

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 290, 3 September 1919, Page 6

DEFENCE POLICY

ADVISORY COMMITTEE PROPOSED,

A suggestion for the setting up of a Defence Committee to advise the Government on important policy questions was made by itlie Commandant (General Sir Alfred Robin) in his annual report presented to the House of Representatives yeeterday by the Minister of Defence'. General Robin states:— . .

The Estimates for the year 1319-20 will be prepared on . pre-war requirom'onts nnder tho Defence Act, awaiting development of policy for the future in regard to sea, air. and land defences, based on the Peace Treaty and general experience pained during the war. In this connection the formation of a. representative Defence Committee directly advisory to tho Government through the Minister of Defence to study the world's sea, land, and air strategical problems is worthy of consideration. In making this suggestion I have in mind the folloh-ing functions which euch a committee might fulfil:— \ ' «

(a) To ensure the collection of strategical information, its expert and careful consideration in relation to "New Zealand defence, and for the transmission of well-balanced and impartial advice to tho Government.

(b) To enable the Commandnnt and Administrator of the Defence Forces to concentrate on their truo functions of tmimni? and Administering the Force* authorifftd by Parliament to a state of thn hiehest possible '.efficiency. (a) To assist in continuing the jirin-' cipli>3 of coalition in regard to Defence matters which has proved so. successful during the Great Wn.r..

(d) To continue the policy initiated duriti:? tho war of co-ordination with business firms) factories, manufacturers, and producers, in order to ensure ready development and ample applies of enuip> ment, clothing, supplies orid munitions, laud and sea transport, etc., against any future mobilisation.

(e) To ensure, direct economy in 'all tho above indtters in respect to all services of Defence, both in peace and war.