MILITARY DEFENCE

Evening Star, Issue 22445, 16 September 1936, Page 7

MILITARY DEFENCE

A NECESSARY SECURITY QUESTION BEFORE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The important question of the defence of New Zealand came before the meeting of the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce last night, when a long report on the subject, as submitted to the Associated Chambers of Commerce of New Zealand by a sub-committee, was received. Dealing with the matter in general terms, the report stated that, during the period immediately prior to 1914, there appeared to be little necessity for New Zealand to maintain military forces for the purpose of defending her territory against attack or invasion. However, in order to bear her share in defending the Empire against possible aggressive action by an enemy Power or combination of hostile Powers, the introduction of a sound system of military training of the young manhood of the Dominion was introduced. During recent years the international situation had changed completely, and npw the Empire “ faced the probability of having to defend itself against an invader.” If in 1914 military forces were regarded as being essential to enable the Dominion to take its place in the defence of the Empire, it surely was not less necessary now when there was the added responsibility of securing ourselves ' against attack upon our shores. History showed that it was not necessarily the wealthy nations, but, on the contrary, those people who were virile and capable of self-sacrifice that were destined to future supremacy, and a nation that was supreme could not remain so permanently if its people neglected to cultivate those' qualities which made it great. Assuming that New Zealanders were prepared to make the necessary sacrifices to plpce their defences in order, the statement recently made by the Minister- of Defence should be noted:— Although opinion was varied as to the most effective way of providing adequate defence for the Dominion, some saying that a strong navy was the only way and others that an increased air force would be the salvation of the country, he personally considered that the best results would be obtained from a co-operation of all three services—naval, military, and air. For such co-operation to be really effective it would seem necessary to ensure that the relative strengths of these services should be carefully balanced. After expressing detailed opinions on the matter of naval defence the sub-committee stated that, failing the success of the existing voluntary system, there appeared to be three alternatives:—(a) A further development and strengthening of the present voluntary system, (b) A reversion to the system of universal compulsory military training. (c) A regular army. _ In view of the grave international situation as it existed today it was considered essentia] that a thorough review of the present position should be made. “ We cannot remain blind and indifferent to tlie fact that powerful war machines are being built up by certain nations,” said the chairman (Mr Newman Wilson). “Neither can we expect the taxpayers of Great Britain to find £80,000.000 for naval defence for our especial protection.” New Zealand depended for prosperity on its overseas trade, he said Cooperation in defence was the first essential, and the common aim should be, first and. foremost, the establishmont of superiority at sea. This was within the capacity of the resources of the Empire. Imagine New Zealand with no export trade for 12 months. What would happen to New Zealand’s economic structure? The expense of a reasonably efficient local defence force was within the country’s capacity. It was interesting to note that the Philippine Islands had a regular army of about 20,000, and would have a welldisciphned force of 400,000 citizens under the National Defence Act in 1935. It was stated that it would take an invading force some three years to capture the islands.