EMPIRE SUPPLIES

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 123, 26 May 1937, Page 11

EMPIRE SUPPLIES

POOL AND EXCHANGE PLAN AGREED ON PERMANENT ORGANISATION Dnlted Press Association—By Electric Teleerapii—Copyrieht. , (Received May 26, 9.30 a.m.)' ; . LONDON, May,2s. ' The political correspondent of. tht Australian Associated Press agency learns that as a sequel to a ; plan largely initiated, by Mr. J. A. Lyons and Sir Archdale Parkhill (Australia), a permanent Imperial organisation will be established to creata machinery for the pooling and ex-changing-of munitions and food* stuffs. This machinery will be or* ganised. so as to be ready for instant operation in the event of a conflict involving any part of the Empire. The Minister for Co-ordina-tion of Defence, Sir Thomas Inskip, will be appointed chairman and convener. The plan should in no wise be confused with the 'co-ordination of defence programmes or with a common defence policy for the Empire. No attempt has been,made^to: reach.agreement on those subjects. Moreover, tha Dominions are disinclined to commit themselves to this extent. However, agreement has1 been reached on all matters of principle, while full agreement was quickly reached in connection with interchange 'of supplies, whereby each Dominion will be enabled to contribute in kind towards Empire defence from existing individual resources. It is expected that Australia, in addition to manufacturing munitions for her own forces, will undertake to expand ' .production enabling her to supply explosives and shells to Singapore, the Far East, and New Zealand, in addition .to ensuring that food supplies are available. ; AUSTRALIA'S LEAD. It is clear that Australia led tha other Dominions in the defence discussions. "The speech of the Minister' of Defence, Sir Archdale Parkhill, ■ which was much longer than others, showed that the Commonwealth has a real grip of the situation, and deeply impressed the' delegates. This, however, represents only one phase of tha defence deliberations, concerning which important discussions, are occurring outside the Conference between the Dominion Defence Ministers and their experts with Britain's chiefs of staffs.. The results of these discussions will not appear in the; Conference minutes and will not-be disclosed to the public. .1 Today's deliberations were held at 10 Downing Street, the, Prime Minister presiding, and were a continuation" of the previous defence meetings. Mr, M.J. Savage (New Zealand), Mr. N. C. Havenga (South Africa), and Lord Zetland (for India) expounded, the viewpoints of the respective dominions. Sir Thomas Inskip followed with a further brief statement, after which it was agreed to establish a committee "to- consider questions of mutual interest' in the supply and pro? duction of munitions/war materials^ and foodstuffs." , CONDITION OF SERVICES. The Secretary for War, Mr. A. TJuff Cooper, then outlined Britain's measures to bring the organisation and equipment of the regular Territorial armies up to .date. It is' understood that Mr. Duff Cooper intimated that rei cruiting in the Regular Army,; though improved, is still far below the requirements,- but that there has been a great improvement in the strength of the Territorials, March being. a record month. ,-. , ■' ' The Secretary for Air (Lord Swinton) followed with a corresponding statement on the Koyal Air Force, indicating - that' the position has improved regarding the output of machines, though it is still somewhat', below schedule. ' The heads of the* delegations will reassemble tomorrow in 'connection' with defence. > The First Lord of the' Admiralty (Sir- Samuel Hoare) will outline the naval position1, after which the major defence discussions will be concluded. The subject of defence will then remain before the' committees until the plenary meetings decide on defence resolutions at the end of the Conference. . . , , ' PACIFIC SHIPPING PROBLEM. The sub-committee dealing: with Pacific shipping held a further short meeting this morning under the chair* manship of Mr. W. Nash (New Zealand), and discussed American subsidised competition in the Tasman service, including the Australian and New/Zealand enabling legislation. The conimittee will reassemble on. Thursh day. ■ ■ "■.