The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-11-29
Peaceful Canada Considers
 Flexing a Military Muscle
Might Play Big
 Role in Defense Of the Americas
By NEA Service

Ottawa, Ont. Nov. 25- President Roosevelt's call for sweeping pro- gram of "continenal defense" finds United States first neighbor Canada, probably the most lightly defended country of her importance in the world.
 For the security of her eastern Seashore,N the Dominion looks naturally to the protection of the British North Atlantic fleet and for the security of the Pacific she de- bends very frankly on the presence of the friendly American Navy. Canada today, with only tiny air force and navy, could only begin to defnd herself after she were actually invaded.
 Combine Canadas forces, includ- ing the British fleet in the Atlantic, with those of the United States, including the fleet in the Pacific, and it is doubtful if any country might successfully invade. Presumption of American aid on the Pacific together with British on the Atlantic have long kept Canadian araments to a minimum.
 Only last year did the Dominion really commence rearming, the last of the great overseas nations to do SO. More recently, Ian Mackenzie, Canadian Defense minister, stirred sensation with the blunt declara- tion that the Dominions forces had been starved and crucified for several years through neglect" Canada has appropriated roughly $95 ,000, 900 for defense in the last three years. THE DOMINIONS
 ] MILITARY STRENGTH
 Looking to Canada then, as a part of the vast continental defense" program President Roose- welt envisionS, what is the Domin- ions current strength?
 Canada could mobilize more than 0,000 men for war, service over a four-year stretch, it is estimated in high military circles in Ottawa. From l50,000 to 100000 men could be fully equipped and ready for action the first year, depending largely on appropriations. During the World War 619,636 Canadians enlisted.
 The present strength of the country's defense forces is slightly more than 59,000 men. In the militia, the permanent force numbers 444 officers and 3689 in other ranks, with the non-permanent made up of 6273 officers and 42,803 other ranks. ,t. -.
 In the air service the permanent branch now numbers 222 officers and 1765 in other ranks. The non- permanent group comprises 84 of- ficers and 753 other ranks.
 The Dominion has 400 aircraft, 190 of which are first line cate gory, fast and equipped with ma chine guns. There are also an un- revealed number of fast bombers.
 Four new air bases are scheduled for Pacific coast points. In the navy there are 119 "per- manents" of officers strength and 1855 ratings. The Royal Canadian Naval reserve, made up of men earning their living at sea and serving at present in the merchant marine and like services, has total of 58 officers and TIT ratings.
 The Royal Canadian volunteer reserve (active) has strength of l02 officers, 21 petty instructors and 1193 ratings. while in the non- active branch there are 13 officers and 10 other ranks.
 Canada's navy consists of six destroyers, six mine sweepers and the schooner Venture. Halifax has fixed defenses. Newfoundland has no defenses whatever.
 To augment these air, sea and land forces, Canada has an es- tablished army reserve system across the country. It numbers 3893 officers of all ranks. Reserve de- pots art designated. There reserve