Make a decision on nuclear subs: time is of the essence

I agree with Greg Sheridan (“Action stations: we need full steam ahead on AUKUS”, 6-7/11). Australia’s strategic future is linked to the Indo-Pacific region and, therefore, the catalyst to generate improved military and defence capabilities lies with AUKUS.

France might be strong on paper, but the ever-present question is: how reliable is France? Doubt arises because of Frances’s egocentricity and its historical lack of support for the UK. Not even a year into WWII, it refused to hand over its naval fleet to the UK after it signed armistices with Germany and Italy. So concerned were the British that the fleet would fall into German hands that it was forced to put the French fleet out of action in the attack at Mers-el-Kebir. Had France cooperated, its naval fleet might have given the allies significant advantage to combat the German U-boat attacks. Thus, I don’t have any confidence the French would send its flotilla to assist us should conflict arise with China.

There is no need for a reaffirming of AUKUS, as Sheridan suggests. It exists. While Sheridan emphasises that the “challenge is immense”, there is no doubt that the Australian Government must be fully committed and, to quote Peter Jennings (“Awkward lessons of AUKUS and France”, 5/11), “must run this program (AUKUS) like the security of our nation hangs on the outcome. As indeed it does.”

Jerome Paul, Exeter, NSW

No one in their right mind would suggest the nuclear submarine decision was wrong, but we are in danger of it going wrong if we procrastinate. Also, we run the risk of wasting our money because if this drags on for two to three decades, any war with China will have come and gone; and we will have lost.

Greg Sheridan as usual makes astute observations. It is decision time and we need to act. As I see it the next decision is simple. Toss a coin if you like: the UK or US boat; whatever tickles the admirals’ fancy (bearing in mind they will all be long retired when the boats eventually arrive). Let’s accept that both boats can do the job and do it well. There will be shortcomings in both but nothing that should bog us down. What this really comes down to is who can give us subs in the water tomorrow; who will pull out all stops to train our people; who will provide the maintenance of the boats; who will help us establish a support infrastructure at home.

Given our navy’s long association with the UK (both our navies still bow to and toast Lord Nelson) you would think this a preferred option, especially after Joe Biden’s show of “loyalty” to Australia last week.

Make a decision and let’s go; time is of the essence.

John George, Terrigal, NSW

Eighteen months is too long to wait for a feasibility study. Free of charge, as an ex-RN submariner, I can short-circuit the process for Defence: just get the US Virginia-class boats, without any modifications. There is no such thing as “unique Australian conditions”. Don’t get any naval boffins involved. They will only demand “extra bells and whistles”.

John Tait, Strathdale, Vic

If Scott Morrison wishes to appease the French over the torpedoed submarine deal he might consider taking a leaf out of the Polish notebook. Poland is currently examining a recent French proposal to build up to six nuclear reactors in that country to provide baseload power and a 40 per cent reduction in greenhouse gases. Of course, there are some local issues that would need to be tackled such as Australia’s 1998 ban on nuclear and then surmounting the tyranny of distance dealing with the French on such a project. Easy stuff really.

Dr Andy Sierakowski, Salter Point, WA

Through their alignment with the French, and particularly with the remarks of President Emmanuel Macron and ambassador Jean-Pierre Thebault, Anthony Albanese, Penny Wong and Chris Bowen have already demonstrated a lack of loyalty toward Australia and the elected government because of the desire to try to score political points. Should any ALP member attempt to use statements by Macron and Thebault during the forthcoming election campaign, ALP chances of success will be even further diminished. Australians will not tolerate disloyalty and the putting down of our great nation and its elected government.

Nick Bailey, Ngunnawal, ACT