DEFENCE OF BRITAIN.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 54, Issue 17, 31 October 1933, Page 6

DEFENCE OF BRITAIN.

BIG EXPENDITURE FORECAST. ALL OF THE SERVICES INVOLVED (United Press Association—Copyright.) LONDON, October. 29. Despite official disclaimers, the newspapers continue to forecast big expenditure on defence. The coastal resort of Gliangi, Singapore, which is at the entrance of the channel leading to the naval base, which formerly was a popular holiday resort, is now being militarised. New barracks are being built for the accommodation of an increased number of troops. It is rumoured that another British infantry battalion is to bo stationed there in 1934 and also that a military aerodrome will be built.

While there is not the slightest sign of a scare, developments generally commend it, it being realised that in the event of trouble in the Far East Singapore will be most concerned. The "Sunday Chronicle" declares that the Air Force is building over one hundred fighting 'planes equipped with machine-guns and a squadron of giant flying-boats. The Navy is contemplating a 1934 programme of thirty vessels comprising six cruisers, two flotilla leaders, sixteen destroyers and six submarines.

"Japan is determined to create the world's leading air force," says the "iSunday Pictorial." "Her new air policy aims at training large numbers of soldiers and sailors to fly. Boys between ages of fifteen! and eighteen are to be taught to become pilots and mechanics, thus creating a large reserve of aviators. The naval air arm is being doubled in strength. "Japan is now manufacturing her own fighters and bombers. "A French technical mission is advising the authorities."