AUSTRALIA COMMITTED TO COSTLY PROGRAMME

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12621, 4 December 1926, Page 5

AUSTRALIA COMMITTED TO COSTLY PROGRAMME

Mr Bruce reviewed at length what had been done by Australia in the way of defence since the passing of resolutions by the Imperial Conference of 1923. He said the ordinary expenditure on the maintenance of local defence now approximated £5,000,000 annually . The Australian Government in 1924 also approved a developmental programme extending over five years at a total cost of £6,000,000, excluding the capital cost of naval construction. He summed up:—

“Australis, in the yrweat fin yearly period, of which this the third year, is spending 98 million* in ordinary maintenance, 5 millions for develop** mental purposes, and 6} millions for naval construction and aircraft equipment, equal to an annual expenditure of 24s par head of the population throughout the five years, but for the current year the appropriation is over 8 millions and the average cost is 27s 2d per head. “The gliding principle on whidt all Australia’s defence preparations are based is complete uniformity -with the fighting services of Britain, in order that in time of emergency it may dovetail into any formation with which the Australian forces may be needed to co-operate. The war establishments of the British Army are accepted without modification as the war establishments of the Australian army.” Ho outlined the proposals for the exchange of officers for training purposes, and said the system of exchange of staff officers with England and India would be regularly maintained. OIL TANKS AT DARWIN He pointed out that Australian officers were at the time engaged in a flight which included the east coast of Australia, New Guinea, Solomon Islands, New Hebrides, New Caledonia, Fiji, and Samoa, with the object of surveying bases for war and commercial aviation purposes, and of testing the suitability of seaplanes for operation in those waters. Arrangements were being made for the provision of oil tanks at Darwin. Australia was looking forward ta becoming fully self-supporting in tho near future. In regard to the provision for equipment and munitions, tho air service would be equipped with the best modern types in the next three years. Landing grounds were being established on strategical air routes, besides grounds for civil aviation.

THE CASK FOR SfNfiAPORE He referred tot Singapore as a question of primary importance to

Australia. It -was of tho very greatest importance to every part or the Empire that the trade routes of the world should he ensured in the event of an outbreak of hostilities. Australia was satisfied that it was essential that there should be a base in the East where the British Navy could oe quartered in the event of trouble arising in the Pacific, both for protecting Empire territories p.nd ensuring the trade routes. Australia’s final decision was that Singapore should be the place, and that it was absolutely essential. While he could not for the second suggest that Australia would contribute toward the construction, in view of its remaining commitments, he promised that the position would be discussed by the Commonwealth Parliament, and it would be for Parliament to come to the dedecision it thought fit. He concluded Hv emphasising that Australia still subscribed to the principle that every effort should l>e made to bring about- the limitation of armaments.