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

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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.

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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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16 ici Impressed with the desirability of still closer co-ordination in this as in all other Spheres of common interest, and in particular with the advantages which should follow from a more general dissem- ination of the experience acquired in the use of this new arm under the widely vary- ing conditions which obtain in different parts of the Empire, the Conference rec- ommends for consideration by the Govern- ments interested the adoption in principle of a system o-f mutual interchange of in- dividual officers for liaison and other duties, and of complete air units, so far as local requirements and resources permit. 6. The Conference recognizes that the de- fence of India, already throws upon the Government of India responsibilities of a specially onerous character and takes note of their decision to create a Royal Indian Navy. 7. The Conference notes with satisfaction that considerable progress in the direction of closer co-operation in Defence matters has been effected by the reciprocal attach- ment of naval, military and Air Force of- ficers to the Staff Colleges and other techni- cal establishments maintained in various parts of the Empire, and invites the atten- tion of the Governments represented to the facilities afforded by the new Imperial De- fence in London for the education of offi- cers in the broadest espects of strate.gy. 8. The Conference takes note of the de- velopments in the organization of the Com- mittee of Imperial Defence since the ses- sion of 1923. It invites the attention of the Governments represented at the Conference to the following resolutions adopted, at a meeting of the committee of Imperial De- fence held on the 30th May, 1911, in con- nection with the Imperial Conference of that year:- f1J That one or more representatives appointed by the respective Governments of the Dominions should be invited to at- tend meetings of the Committee of Im- perial Defence when questions of naval and military defence affecting the Over- sea Dominions are under consideration. f2J The proposal that a Defence Com- mittee should be established in each Do- minion is accepted in principle. The Con- stitution of these Defence Committees is a matter for each Dominion to decide. THE NAVAL DISPLAY OFF PORTLAND 8. My remarks on the senior service will be brief. The main features and exercises were as follows:- efaj Passage through a mine field with aid of Mine sweepers and the laying of mines by Mine Layers. fbi Work of submarines. Torpedo at- tack by submarines and the use o-f fast de- stroyers and depth charges to meet it. Cel Torpedo attack launched from De- stroyers. lfdl Use of aircraft-Aeroplanes. Sea- planes off Carrier fH.M.S. Furiousl and flying boats in co-operation with the Fleet. R. M. C. REVIEW It is not understood why Aircraft was not used- fil To locate the submarines and attack themg iii? Carry out torpedo attacks, and Ciiij Observe the firing practice which took place. Cej Target practice by three battle cruisers. The result of this was disappoint- ing as the shooting was not good-even al- lowing that the range was nearly 10 miles. Aircraft was not used for observation of fire and the target was undamaged at the end of the practice--most of the .salvos fell quite a distance short. It is understood, however, that on grounds of economy this was the first big-gun practice carried out by the ships concerned for several ye.ars. ffj Use of smoke as screen from Destroy- ers was demonstrated in an effective man- ner. 'fgl No demonstration of Anti-Aircraft gun-fire against Sleeve targets towed by Aircraft was given. One expected that this would have been included owing to its great importance. DEMONSTRATION OF TANKS AND OTHER CROSS-COUNTRY VEHICLES 1. To me this was the most instructive of the demonstrations given for the benefit of the members of the Conference. It was carried out under weather conditions of rain, and over muddy and hilly ground which left little doubt of the efficiency and reliability of the machines used. .. 2. It was made clear that great progress has been made in the evolution of tanks, tractors, and cross-country vehicles. Any nation which neglects the mechanization of its forces will be seriously handicapped in the event of war. 3. The most spectacular feature- was the charge down a hill through a copse, of six tanks, each tank striking and breaking off several trees and literally cutting a swarth through the woods. MECHANIZATION The first great tactical surprise of the war was the enormous defensive power of modern firearms, rifles, machine guns and artillery. All arms had been training for offensive warfare, but, within a few weeks of its outbreak, so costly had the attack become that trenches were dug on every battlefield, and when once the entire front had become entrenched and wired, the su- preme problem which faced all sides was the reinstatement of mobility. Solutions to this problem were attempted through increased gun fire, the use of lethal gas and the re-introduction of armour in the form of the Tank. Of these three solutions the third proved itself by far the most economical in money and man-power as well as the most effective. The develop- ment of Tanks grew from small beginnings until the battles of Cambrai, Hemel and Amiens placed their value beyond reasoned criticism.