AIR PACT PLAN.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 59, Issue 19, 2 November 1938, Page 6

AIR PACT PLAN.

GERMANY AND BRITAIN. TENTATIVE APPROACH MADE. LONDON Oct, 17. Germany has tentatively approached Britain for an air pact. The initiative appears to have been taken by the German Foreign Minis ter, Herr Von Rikben.trop, states the “Evening Standard.” It is known that as a, result of the outcome, of the Czech crisis, Herr von R.ibbentrop’s influence with Herr Hitler is at its zenith.

Herr von Ribbentrop has urged on Herr Hitler that the principle accept-, ed on both sides in the Anglo-German naval agreement should be followed implicity. He argues that the application ot the same principle permits Germany to demand a ratio of air power compared with Britain of 2 to 1, preferably 3 tol. He maintains that Germany is exposed to- air attack from an enemy from many directions, but that Britain needs defences on one side only. The German offer suggests a limitation of the bombardment of open cities of poison gas, and of aircraft armaments. By the treaty of 1935, Germany may possess a navy which in each class of ship (except submarines) may have a tonnage of 35 per cent, of the corves ponding British tonnage.