DEFENCE POLICY

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 101, 23 January 1920, Page 6

DEFENCE POLICY

QUESTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION

One of the biggest 'things yet to be dono by tho Government is the definition of a now defence policy, for it is common ground that there must be n new policy. There are very big questions involved in tho formulation of the defence policy of tho future. First of all, there is Lord Jellieoe's report, and the action to be taken upon it. This report has not vet been fully considered by Cabinet. 'There is also tho report on air defences, which should liavo been left with the Government by Colonel Bettington, who was in New Zealand for some months for tho purpose of advising tho Government about aeroplane defence. Then there is the question of the establishment and training of the territorial army and the cadets. All these three brandies of the service will have to be co-ordinated in sonio degree, and the definition of a policy to include naval, aerial, and land defence, is a task of magnitude. Sir James Allen, as Minister of Defence, will have to take tho first move in the matter, and lie has yet to consult with his chief officers before lie submits any recommendations to Cabinet. It may be that nothing will be disclosed by the Government as to their intentions until the necessary legislation, for it is presumed that legislation will 'bo necessary, is submitted to Parliament.