Royal Military College of Canada - Review Yearbook (Kingston, Ontario Canada)

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14 R. M. C. REVIEW THE DEFENCE SIDE OF THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE, 1926 Notes on a lecture delivered at the College by Major-General J. H. Ma.cB'rie'n,, C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O., Chief of Stayf. GENERAL REMARKS AND PLAN OF WORKS CONFERENCE. 1. The concensus of opinion of those who have attended or studied Imperial Confer- ences is that the one just concluded was the most successful of the twelve which have been held. - 2. Other Empires have passed away be- cause they lacked the proper spirit of Em- pire which the British race possesses in such a marked degree. The spirit of Em- pire never burned more brightly than at present, and this is due- il To the fact that the Empire is resting upon the enduring foundations of loyalty, justice and self-government, and fiij To the beneficial results of frequent consultations in order that co-operation of each part may be woven into the fabric of Empire for the common good of the whole. 3. An Imperial Conference is most in- spiring to those in atte.ndance. Such a gath- ering includes Statesmen, Diplomats, Sail- ors, Soldiers and Airmen from each integ- ral part of the Empire, all working earnest- ly to strengthen the many bonds binding the Empire together. This whole-hearted co-operation results in successful deliber- ations benefiting the Empire in particular and the world at-large. 4. Whe.n a soldier is a student of Grand Strategy Qas distinct from Logisticall, he must understand the political and economic as well as the military factors in any given problem. Nevertheless, it is not. part of his duty to give opinions upon the political and economic results of the re.cent conference. Therefore, any comments made will refer to Defence only. 5. The Conference gave much consider- ation to the question of Defence and to the methods by which the defence arrangements of each part of the Empire could be most effectively co-ordinated. 6. To the Statesman, Diplomatist and Soldier, alike, there is no more interesting problem or fascinating study than the De- fence of our Empire, and none more im- portant for them to give much thought to. All aspects of this vital question of security were considered during the course of the Conference. Changing world conditions, as in Russia and China, necessitate frequent reviews of the insurance of the interests and safety of the subjects of the British Empire in all parts of the world. 7. The strength, efficiency, armament and distribution of the Defence Forces of the Empire must be carefully revised peri- odically so as to ensure that all dangers are warded off or avoided as they arise. As the British Empire has set an example to the world in reduction of armed forces, it it imperative that the forces maintained be the most highly trained and best equipped in the world. Co-operation is the key-word for the prosperity as well as for the secur- ity of the Empire. Co-operation between the various parts for the benefit of the whole depends upon communication by sea, land and air, so naturally, much attention was given to their development and pro- tection. 8. 'The Prime Minister of Great Britain gave an opening address on Defence in which he reviewed the formation and func- tions of a Cabinet committee, known as the Committee of Imperial Defence, which is an advisory and consultative body of which he is Chairman. The main duty of this Committee is to co-ordinate the work of the three Services and the other Government Departments. Meetings of the Committee of Imperial Defence were held during the Conference to consider questions of com- mon interest. The Prime Mnister spoke of the work of the Chiefs of Staff Committee and the for- mation of the Imperial Defence College. 9. Meetings took place at the Admiralty, War Office and Air Ministry. The trend of military thought and opinion concerning the world situation and Empire Defence was given by the Chiefs of StaE and experts of the Services concerned. The situation from the standpoint of the Government of Great Britain was explained in detail. 10. Demonstrations by the three branches of the Service were given, notably the Naval Review off Portland: the Army Mechanical Display at Camberley. and the Air Oper- ations at Croyden and Cardington. These were interesting from the point of view of defence, showing the employment of the most up-to-date weapons of defence, and revealing the latest technical developments in Naval armament, Mechanical traction, and in Aviation, Military and Civil. Some of these developments have their applica- tion to civilian purposes. 11. I paid visits to as many military ed- ucational and training centres as time per- mitted, so as to obtain the latest ideas for the benefit of the Canadian Forces. 12. The Conference, with its addresses, demonstrations and discussions, was of great practical worth. constituting an ex- perience of distinct educational value. All the Governments of the Empire must have received much assistance through the in- formation obtained. in the determination of their policies of defence. H . 13. All were inspired to work enthusi- astically for the safety and prosperity of our Empire. which is the greatest power for good and for peace, in the world to-day. 14. The resolutions of the 1923 Confer- ence were re-affirmed, and the-se were as follows:-

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R. M. C. REVIEW 13 lg III 2-I lil id B CCMPANY NOTES. Company Commander. . Lt.-Col. R. O. Alexander, D.S.O., The R.C.R. ' Company Oflicer. Lieut. A. B. Sullivan, 16f5 Lancers. Cadet Company Commander. U.O. Tremain, K. H. Cadet Platoon Commanders. J.U-O. Smith, H. C. aJ.U.O. Smith, D. C. Cadet Co. Sergeant Major. C.S.M. Hodson, J. C. Cadet Co. Quartermaster Sergeant. C.Q.M.S. Osler, G. S. Since the last issue of the Review the flag has changed hands many times, and never before has the competition between the two companies been so keen. A Company seemed to have a firm hold on the flag until the hockey came along. No. 4 Platoon won the Platoon league, and a few days later we won the Inter-Company game by a score of 5 to 4. It was a good game, and, although Beer was always in the lead, we were not sure of the result until the final whistle blew. We had also had another victory in the Platoon Basketball, when No. 3 Platoon showed Ack that it was better than either of the teams it could produce. Thus it was that, although f'Ack won the Inter-Company Basketball, the flag came back to Beerf' It felt more at home on this side of the square, but we lost it once again when A Company won the Gymnastic competition by seven points. B Company was by no means disgraced by this, and the whole team did well. The next event was the Platoon Soccer, which No. 4 Platoon ably won, giving us the flag once again. Soon after our victory, however, we lost the company soccer match by 4-3. Once again Beer, although beaten, was not disgraced, and lost the game in the overtime only. Throughout the year the competition between the companies has been most keen, and all the events have been close and most interesting. A Company now has the much sought after emblem, but with good old Beer pulling together, we feel sure that we shall finish strong. We hope to put up a good show in the Boxing and in the Mounted Sports, and in the Dun- donald Cup race we feel Beer will be well represented, Although not an Inter-Company event, the best shot badge has come to Beer by G. C. Blaikie's good shooting. Congratulations, Reid! All ranks have worked hard during the year, and we find that it has gone by far too quickly. Here's wishing you the best of luck next year and the years to come, Beer. K. H. TREMAIN.

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R. M. C. REVIEW Resolutions 1. The Conference affirms that it is neces- sary to provide for the adequate defence of the territories and trade of the several countries comprising the British Empire. 2. In this connecton the Conference ex- pressly recognizes that it is for the Parlia- ments of the several parts of the Empire, upon the recommendations of their respec- tive Governments, to decide the nature and extent of any action which should be taken by them. 3. Subject to this provision, the Confer- ence suggests the following as guiding principles :- fab The primary responsibility of each portion of the Empire represented at the Conference for its own local defence. fbj Adequate provision for safeguarding the maritime communications of the sev- eral parts of the Empire and the routes and waterways along and through which their armed forces and trade pass. ici The provision of Naval bases and facilities for repair and fuel so as to en- sure the mobility of the fleets. ,fdj The desirability of the maintenance of a minimum standard of Naval strength, namely, equality with the Naval strength of any foreign power, in accordance with the provisions of the Washington Treaty on Limitation of Armament as approved by Great Britain, all the self-governing Do- minions, and India. Cel The desirability of the development of the Air Forces in the several countries of the Empire upon such lines as will make it possible, by means of the adoption as far as practicable, of a common system of or- ganization and training and the use of uniform manuals, patterns of arms ,equip- ment and stores fwith the exception of the type of aircraftl, for each part of the Em- pire as it may determine to co-operate with other parts with the least possible delay and the greatest efficiency. 4. In the application of these principles to the several parts of the Empire concerned the Conference takes note of- fab The deep interest of the Common- wealth of Australia, the Dominion of New Zealand. and India, in the provision of a Naval Base at Singapore, as essential for ensuring the mobility necessary to provide for the security of the territories and trade of the Empire in Eastern waters. Qbl The necessity for the maintenance of safe passage along the great route to the East, through the Mediterranean and the Red Sea. ich The necessity for the maintenance by Great Britain of a Home Defence Air Force of sufficient strength to give adequate protection against air attack by the strong- elslt air force within striking distance of her s ores. 5. The Conference while deeply concerned for the paramount importance of providing for the safety and integrity of all parts of the Empire, earnestly desires so far as is 15 consistent with this consideration, the fur- ther limitation of armaments, and trusts that no opportunity may be lost to promote this object. 7. A Summary of the conclusions reached, by 1926 Conference, as as follows:- Summary 1. The Imperial Conference regrets that it has not been possible to make greater progress with the international reduction and limitation of armaments referred to in these Resolutions. It is the common desire of the Governments represented at this Con- ference to do their utmost in pursuit of this object so far as this is consistent with the safety and integrity of all parts of the Empire and its communications. 2. The Conference recognizes that, even after a large measure of reduction and limitation of armaments has been achieved, a considerable effort will be involved in order to maintain the minimum standard of naval strength contemplated in the Wash- ington Treaty on Limitation of Armament, namely, equality with the naval strength of any foreign power. It has noted the ,state- ments set forth by the Admiralty as to the coming years for the replacement of war- sgips, as they become obsolete, by up-to-date s ips. 3. Impressed with the vital importance of ensuring the security of the world-wide trade routes upon which the safety and welfare of all parts of the Empire depend, the representatives of Australia, New Zea- land, and India note with special interest the steps already taken by,His Majesty's Government in Great Britain to develop the Naval Base at Singapore, with the object of facilitating the free movement of the Fleets. In view of the heavy expenditure involved, they welcome the spirit of co- operation shown in the contributions made with the object of expediting this work. 4. The Conference observes that steady progress has been made in the direction of organizing military formations in general on similar lines: in the adoption of similar patterns of weapons, and in the interchange of 'Officers between different parts of the Empireg it invites the Governments con- cerned to consider the possibility of extend- ing these forms of co-operation and of pro- moting further consultation between the respective General Staffs on defence ques- tions adjudged of common interest. 5. fab The Conference takes no-te with satisfaction of the substantial progress that has been made since 1923 in building up the Air Forces and resources of the several parts of the Empire. fbi Recognizing that the fullest mobility is essential to the effective and economical employment of air power, the Conference recommends, for the consideration of the several Governments, the adoption of the following principle:- The necessity for creating and main- taining an adequate chain of air bases and refueling stations.