FEDERAL DEFENCE

Hokitika Guardian, 27 September 1933, Page 6

FEDERAL DEFENCE

NEW ZEALAND ACTION. (Per Press Association—Copyright). . WELLINGTON, Sop. 26. When questioned regarding tne cable published to-day suggesting that ne/’Ot a.io s are at present going on between the New Zealand and Australian Governments with the object of restoring a close defence Hasson, the Minister o; Defence (Hon Mr Cbbbe) stated that he had no information on the question. It was possible that a suggestion would be made on - the, lines indicated, and a communication from the Commonwealth Government might be on the way. He was not at present in a position to make any comment on the cablegram. There had been close cooperation between the two Governments on the question of supplying ammunition to the New Zealand Government. and these arrangements were wet'king: out satisfactorily twin the. point of view of both countries.

| U.S. IMPRESSED. I PACIFIC OCEAN POLICY. WASHINGTON, Sep. 25. The Australian' Defence (Minister, Senator G. Pearce’s announcement of policy has caused a- profound impression on the officials at Washington. Officialdom her© finds itself in coin- ' plete harmony with Australia’s defence proposals. No phase of Australia’s activities is more closely - watched here than the Conimon- : wealth’s defence policy. Senator Pearce’s pronouncement synchronises with the United States’ eons- ' sidcred judgment that the time is -opportune, and is perhaps overdue, lor the strengthening of the American naval policy, especially in the Pacific Ocean, where the whole American fleet has been retained for the past year. Australia’s action may cause a proper recognition among the American people of the vital necessity for practical steps to assure peace in the Pacific.