FEDERAL DEFENCE

Hokitika Guardian, 21 September 1933, Page 5

FEDERAL DEFENCE

ALARMIST SCARE, PROPAGANDA AGAINST JAPAN. (Australian Press Association). SYDNIiY, September 20. An editorial entitled “Arms and Alarmists,” in the- Sydney “/Morning Herald,” refers to the agitation for strengthening Australian defences. The paper declares; “The is no warmint for the reckless representation of our position as one of peril. The propaganda quite clearly is directed against Japan, which is a loyal ally. 'She is still a treaty partner, also one of our most important trading customers. Australia- must continue her desire for peace, especially with those who are powerful enough, and if -provoked, could ruin us.”

The “Herald” announces that the Minister of Defence next Monday will ■disassociate the Government from the “alarming, exaggerated, and reckless” utterances made recently by unauthorised and irresponsible persons.

DEFENCE REHABILITATION

URGED,

PUBLIC MEETING AT SYDNEY.

SYDNEY, September 20.

There Ims been considerable discussion in the Australian Press lately in regard to the inadequacy of Australian defences. Mr W. 'M. Hughes has been a prominent figure in an agitation to awaken interest as to danger of aggression. A public meeting a t Sydney, convened by the' Lord Mayor, to-day, decided to form a citizens’ national defence committee, which is to be entirely non-political. Mr Hughes was the chief speaker. He declared the world was seething with unrest. He said Australia could not continue to go without arms in a world without liberty. Never was-there such a country as Australia; it wa s so inviting and so vulnerable

The meeting passed a resolution in favour of the rehabilitation of Australian defences on a sound practical basis, and that a sustained effort be' made in bringing the voluntary system up to the full strength desired by military authorities. ,