INSUFFICIENT

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20502, 19 May 1938, Page 10

INSUFFICIENT

DOMINION DEFENCES COLONELS’ MANIFESTO WEAK TERRITORIAL FORCE (Special to Tim’es) AUCKLAND, Thursday Four senior officers of the New Zealand Territorial Force have issued a manifesto in which they claim that the \ provisions for New Zealand's defence | are inadequate. The officers are . Colonel C. R. irpragg, late commander |of the First Mounted Rifle Brigade, i Colonel N. L. Macky, late commander of the First Infaaaf Brigade, Colonel A. S. Wilder, late commander of the Second Mounted Rifle Brigade, and Colonel R. F. Gambrill, late commander of the Second Infantry Brigade. The concluding part of the statement reads: — “Conscious of the very poor measure of support accorded to the forces by the public, we And it necessary to inform them of our opinions in the hope that the country itself may decide whether or not it requires a territorial army. “If It decides that such a force is a necessity, then it must assume the duty of supporting those volunteers who have been endeavouring loyally to preserve the nucleus of a territorial army for many years past with little or no public assistance. This action is taken by us solely for the purpose of ensuring that an adequate and efficient land force shall he available for the defence of New Zealand. Inadequate Features “We claim an intimate knowledge of the problem of our defence and the state of unpreparedness now existing. We realise, that as the senior volunteer officers on the active list of the Territorial Forces we have a duty to place on record what we believe to be the facts: — “(1) That the present organisation and establishment of the force are insufficient for the defence of New Zealand. ‘‘(2) That the number of volunteers trained and in training is insufficient to complete establishment as at present laid down. “(3) That the standard of physique and training of the serving volunteers in some cases is such as to render them unsuited for the purpose of expansion of the present organisation in time of need. Lack of Public Support “(4) That the morale of the existing volunteers is being sapped by the successive reductions in strength and lack of public support —that we fear a disintegration of our present skeleton unless definite support is accorded by the Government and the people and assurances are given that the force is desired and will be fostered. “(5) That, in our opinion, the failure of the present volunteer system would not have occurred had the active support of successive Governments been accorded our land forces since the inception of the voluntary system* “We are impelled to refer to the splendid and loyal service given by that silent department of our army—the officers of the Staff Corps, and the New Zealand Permanent Staff, whose duties have been, and are being, carried out under the most disheartening conditions. Upon their shoulders the blame for failure will assuredly be visited should our forces be called to action. The fault will not be theirs. I “In conclusion, we hesitate to mention the effect of this statement on | our own personal positions as military l officers. However, we would like the people of New Zealand to realise that the gravity of the situation is such that we feel all personal considerations must be put aside if we are to carry out our duly to our country as citizen soldiers.”

EMPIRE ATTITUDE GOVERNMENT INDICTED (flv Telegraph —Pres; Association) NEW PLYMOUTH, Wednesday Strong criticism of the Labour Government's attitude toward Empire defence was expressed by Mr W. J. Poison, M.P., in an address at Korito. The Labour Party, Mr Poison said, through its leaders, and particularly Mr Savage and Mr Nash, had recently been noticeably making professions of loyalty to the Throne and acclaiming the heroes of Anzac with fervour and enthusiasm. It was pleasant reading, but the Labour Party’s members had not always been so loyal or so enthusiastic, and, in view of tlie attitude of Mr W. J. Jordan, High Commissioner, at Geneva, under instructions from bis Government, people might be forgiven for doubting their sincerity to-day. Mr Jordan had strongly disagreed with the policy of the British Government in seeking a settlement with Italy that would prevent war and make for better international conditions.

I Actions spoke louder than words, said Mr Poison, and the fact that the New Zealand defence forces were being turned into a farce was known to • every volunteer. Only the other day ; they had read the assertion of a reprej sentative of the New Zealand Defence League that the defence force was I down to a disorganised, half-trained ! 4000 men. The Labour Party could put the ostrich in the shade when it ! came to ignoring responsibilities which i did not suit its peculiar opinions, but lii could hardly camouflage these I facts. POLICY ENDORSED DEFENCE LEAGUE'S SUPPORT MORE TRAINED MEN NEEDED WELLINGTt>N. Thursday | Gratification at the programme outlined by the Minister of Defence, the Hon. F. Jones, in regard to air defence and the land force* was expressed by the New Zeala id Defence League in a statement, '“he League I endorsed the policy of obtaining mechanised units and stressed the need for increased land forces. I "We ore in serious need of more j trained men.'' says the statement. ••Our young men are not attendrug territorial camps in sufficient numbers to enable a sufficient proportion of th*s population to be adequately trained.

j More trained man-power is absolutely j essential for supporting other branches of the service. I “The Minister invites the co-opera--1 tion of all citizens and tlie League . hopes that all the people of New Zea- ' land will respond to the Minister’s appeal. j "After drawing attention to its willingness to co-operate with the j Government in the provision of ade- ’ quate defence forces it adds: “The League hopes tiiat other members ot the Cabinet, will follow the lead of the minister of Defence and do their utmost to ensure the New Zealand dej fence forces will be adequate in the jeveut of any emergency.”