N.Z. DEFENCE LEAGUE

Opotiki News, Volume II, Issue 183, 17 May 1939, Page 4

N.Z. DEFENCE LEAGUE

AIMS AND OBJECTS The League advocates: —' (1) A minimum of three months compulsory continuous recruit training ■ by ail youths on attaining the age ot .18 years. (2) Thereafter continuity of compulsory training for a period of four years in the Territorial Army of such < numbers of men as are necessary, for the adequate defence of this Do-min- ’ ion. C 3) The restoration of the old Territorial units which', existed prior to 1921 by the immediate utilisation of the compulsory trainees as indicated in the previous paragraph. (4) The principle of equality of } economic sacrifice in war-time. (o) That the defence of Australia I and New Zealand be looked on us one ? and indivisible, and the League urges j’ that plans for joint and mutual de- r fence be the subject of consultation j between the General Staffs of the two j countries. (6) The establishment of a national register of both sexes with the obliga- . tion on the part of those registered i to. render such service to the country >j as may be most convenient to their ability and the requirements of. tho * situation. - (7) Approval of legislation designed to improve physical welfare. (1) Our position is that unless the British Navy commands the South Pacific we are) in danger of invasion or capture. (2) We have been told by Britain that in the event of European war we" must be responsible for our own defence. (3) Our Naval Squadron is efficient but inadequate. (4) Our Air Force lias made great progress, but is not yet can a war footing. . (o) Our Garrison and Field Artillery and .specialist units, while near numerical establishment, sadly lack the intensive -training necessary for war standards. (6) Our infantry,- both in numbers and efficiency, is So: far short that- to send it into action would be merely criminal. Therefore: — t- * The N.Z. Defence League advocates k h system of Universal training, with the physically fit personnel drafted for military) training as required. " it is believed: that the Government is ready and anxious to do what is necessary in this direction. It is an objective of the Defence League to influence public opinion to the point where a clear indication will be given the Government that New Zealand requires a measure of preparedness which will make us, and keep us, invulnerable to attack, whatever should happen overseas.