NAVAL DEFENCE

Hokitika Guardian, 26 September 1933, Page 5

NAVAL DEFENCE

new riveresALS FOR AUSTRALIA’S PROTECTION. ; (Australian Press Association). SYDNEY, September 25. Sir George Pearce, Jjeocral Minister oi ,uefence, addressing the Sydney Millions Club to-day, outlined the Commonwealth Government’s defence policy. He said the proposals include extensive naval and air force additions, also the manufacture of anus and ammunitions in Australia; tile strengthening of the coastal fortresses; the creation of armoured car units; and the closer co-operation with

New Zealand and Britain., He stated the Commonwealth would aim to provide an efficient squadron of ships which would dovetail with cue imperial defence .policy. Provision would he made for necessary bases, equipment, fuel, stores, training, and personnel, which would ensure mobility and efficiency. Up-to-date new armament would be installed at the coast fortresses.

The Government, lie said, would embark on the manufacture of a considerably larger quantity of small arms than in former years. ; Steps would be taken, this year to bring the Australian army into line with the mechanisation of the British Army. An armoured car regiment would bo raised in each district where a Light Horse Regiment had formerly been raised; while provision would bo made for a larger number of armoured cars for the protection of the coast line. A .pattern would be evolved suitable for the local conditions. The Government, hoped to produce these cars in Australian munition factories, and large numbers of them would be available in case of emergency. He stated that the troops would he trained in future at large camps, in stead of a small unit camps. Senator Pearce announced that, whereas five years ago only thirty per cent of the munitions used by the Australian Navy were made in Australia, the output this year would be ninety per cent.

In regard to- the development of the Air Force, the Government intended to replace the wastage with the most modern aircraft.

FURTHER DETAILS. INVITE TO NEW ZEALAND. SYDNEY, September 25. In bis outline of the new Australian defence measures, Senator Pearce went on to say that the Government would, aim at having a naval squadron of four effective cruisers in full commission, with requisite aircraft; a destroyer leader, and four destroyers in full commission; also sloops and surveying vessels for essential peace-time use, and f°r use as minesweepers in war-time.

The essential feature of the naval policy, lie explained was that aircraft were a vital auxiliary, both for the navy and the army. He said that the ships, officers, and men must ho intej’chanagoable with those of the Royal Navy; which meant that their ships must be built on identical lines and with identical armaments, and with a personnel trained to the same standard.

Senator Pearce emphasised that the Government’s policy was intended to strengthen the Australian defences in view of their being a danger of aggression, and so help to protect the trad© routes. He appealed for the support of the employers and the employees. He asked that the matter should be treated as a non-political one. ,He added that negotiations were now going on with the New Zealand Government with the object of restoring the close defence liaison which existed between them an prewar days.

Mr W. M. Hughes and other speakers commended 'Senator Pearce’s speech. They said that it was remarkable, because it Was delivered prior to the Federal Budget, and also for the reason that it contained no element likely to arouse the hostility of any other country.