THE COMMONWEALTH AND DEFENCE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2719, 26 January 1910, Page 7

THE COMMONWEALTH AND DEFENCE.

LORD KITCHENER’S VIEW

Practically the only speech made in Australia by Lord Kitchener was that delivered at an official dinner in Melbourne. 'He was thus reported in the “Argus”:—Lord Kitchener said: I wish, in the first place, to thank the Government of the Commonwealth for their invitation to visit * Australia, and for the compliment they have paid me in asking that, after seeing the citizen -forces of this country, I should give them the benefit of my experience in military matters. (Hear, hear.) During my stay in Australia I have been much struck by the very strong and widespread determination which exists in the country to have an efficient citizen force, and also by the hopes that I have often heard expressed that the Defence Bill, which you have so recently passed through Parliament, will be the foundation on wllich such a- force will be established and maintained. That bill postulates the recognition by the citizen and by the State of the primary principle that it is the duty of every able-bodied man to he trained to defend his country, either on land or sea. (Hear, Tear.) It is no easy task for a newcomer, unaware of the many interests involved and local difficulties to he met, to make preparations which will, in the most economical and advisable manner, produce the national force you require. I hope that any shortcomings of mine, when I am able to formulate my ideas on paper, will be overlooked. The want of population—(hear, hear) —generally and specially in many parts of this splendid country, is a difficulty that has to he carefuly considered — (hear, hear) —but I think I may. say that what you have got is first-rate material on which to work. (Hear, hear.) In no other country in the world, as far as I know, do the young men show such natural military qualifications on which to base their military career. A great deal of the training that would, in ordinary course, have to be supplied to obtain an efficient soldier, is already part of the daily " life of many .of your lads, and the '.work done in the cadet corps is a most excellent preparation for the more serious adult training which will eventually turn out vour citizen soldiers. (Hear, hear.) POINTS OF IMPORTANCE. I do not wish on this occasion, before my inspection is complete or my ideas in any way crystallised, to say anything definite about the organisation I would .propose; but I think i may mention, shortly, a few points that I consider are of importance. In the first place, I think you should carefully preserve those excellent national characteristics of young Australia, which I hope will always remain a feature in the military life of your young men. I have heard it mentioned that discipline may he wanting, but I do not think you need fear this amongst thoroughly trained Australian troops. (Hear, hear.) They may have their own special methods and manner of expressing themselves — (laughter)—-bu&, gentlemen, discipline does not depend upon any shibboleth of that sort. Discipline is undoubtedly a most essential and most important part of all military life—(hear, hear) — and it is absoutely necessary for success in war. I feel sure every true Australian soldier will know and realise that unhesitating, uncritical, willing obedience to all lawful authority does not entail servility to any individual. (Hear, hear.) It is to my mind essential that you should establish a high-class primary military educational system, in order that your officers, particularly the instructional officers, should be thoroughly grounded in their profession, so as to he able to teach both officers and men with the authority of complete military knowledge. I cannot help feeling strongly that no second-rate military standard in this country will appeal with any permanence to the people, who, under the bill, will take .part in your military development. You may get on for a time, but unless you place your ideal of the military value of the national forces high, you will find that the day will come when the security of this country will have degenerated to a very low ebb. (Hear, hear.) Soldiers" must take a pride in their efficiency—(hear, hear) —and respect themselves as a fighting force, thoroughly educated, trained, and equipped and ready for the field. There is no reason, as far' as I can see, why the national forces of Australia should not make their' standard of efficiency on a par with, if not higher than, those of military powers in Europe or. elsewhere. (Hear, hear.) SHAM AND USELESSNESS. * It will be apparent to you, gentlemen, that a system which is designed .to produce such a force as I have described must be of slow growth. You: cannot expect immediate results if you aim at a high ideal. Time will benecessary for new methods to take effect, and during the period of transition you will have to devise means' to gradually lead up to an improved organisation without interfering with itsdevelopment. I have said elsewhere that all shams and uselessness should be abolished, and I would add that all unnecessary expense must be avoided. If this is thoroughly done I do notthink that a national army organised on sound lines need bring an undue strain on the financial resources of this

country.. I have to express my sincere thanks to my friend the Minister of Defence for the help he has afforded me—(hear, hear) —and for the forethought and care with which lie has arranged for me to see the troops in their various camps, and I also wish to thank you, Mr Prime Minister, for your profuse hospitality to-night, and you all, gentlemen, for the very kind reception you , have given me here. (Prolonged applause.)