AIR STRENGTH

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 170, 2 May 1935, Page 5

AIR STRENGTH

INCREASE IN BRITAIN.

REMOVAL OF INFERIORITY.

REPLY TO GERMANY'S ACTION

NO DELAY IN THE MEASURES.

CABINET'S REPORTED DISCUSSION.

(United Press Association—Copyright) (Received This Day, 11.45 a.m.) LONDON, May 1.

The 'Daily Telegraph's" lobbyist says that Cabinet for two hours discussed the European situation and the disturbing revelations of German rearmament.

As a result Mr MacDonald will make an important declaration in the House of Commons to-morrow.

It is understood he will announce that the Government intends to meet the situation created by the formation of a German air fleet, already bigger than ours, by a big expansion in the Royal Air Force. It will not merely be an acceleration of the five-year programme recently approved, but prompt action will be taken to see that we do not .remain in an inferior position. The "Daily Mail" says that Cabinet has decided to increase the strength of the'Air Force without delay.

THE POLICY OF BRITAIN.

TWO BROAD CATEGORIES. / PLAIN TALK TO GERMANY. (Received This Day, 11.45 a.m.) LONDON, May 1. The important debate on foreign affairs to be held in the House of Commons to-morrow will open with a statement from the Government, which it is expected the Prime Minister will make, upon recent events in Europe. The main factors upon which members and the public require information are- the conference at Stresa, which followed visits to European capitals by British Ministers, the subsequent session of the League of Nations at Geneva, the increase in German air power; Germany's construction of submarines, and the British Government's estimate of these events and its attitude towards them. The issues may be broadly divided into two categories:

Firstly, the methods to be pursued in order to ensure the maintenance of peace in Europe ■ Secondly, the fulfilment of all requisite measures to maintain Britain's home defences at an adequate level.

It has frequently been recalled during the last few weeks, mainly in relation to the reported increases in Germany's air strength, that Mr Baldwin gave a pledge, on behalf of the Government, to maintain the British Air Force strength at a strength equal to that of any country within striking distance, and many members are anxious to be reassured that this promise will in all circumstances be fulfilled.

On this point "The Times" remarks: "We 'should tell Germany plainly that will not outbuild us in the air. This is not provocation, but a simple reminder of our accepted policy."— British Official Wireless."