EMPIRE AIR FORCE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 60, Issue 28, 13 November 1939, Page 5

EMPIRE AIR FORCE.

THE TRAINING IN CANADA. DOLLAR EXCHANGE PROBLEM. NEYV YORK, November 11. The Ottawa correspondent of the Associated Press of America, Mr David Bailey, says that Ottawa can justifiably be described at present as the’lmperial staff headquarters. Two important phases of the Empire’s war plans are being devised and co-ordinated there: (1) The British Supply Board is planning economic aspects and surveying the raw material resources and industrial potentialities of the United States and Canada, preparing to mobilise industrial production on behalf of the Allies, and (2) the Australian, New Zealand, British and Canadian Ministers and air experts are planning an effort which the Canadian Prime Minister (Mr YY 7 . L. Mackenzie King) declares “may mean that final victory will be shaped on Canadian soil.” The availability of dollar exchange is the most difficult problem in both phases. Already a Canadian shortterm 2 per cent, loan has been, used to repatriate 91,000,000 dollars of Canadian 31 per cent, securities held in London. The proceeds are being used for buying raw materials, foodstuffs, and armaments. A position is envisaged in which Canada may eventually become Britain’s creditor.

Exchange problems are delaying the completion of the air scheme. It- is not a question of disagreement on principles, but of finding means of overcoming obstacles tending to prevent the participants supporting the scheme to the extent which each desires. Meanwhile technicians are holding daily conferences ancl pushing on with the training organisation. It is likely that the first Australians and New Zealanders will not be seen •in any great numbers in Canada for at least 10 or 12 weeks after the scheme is com pletcd. Experts draw attention to the fact that eight weeks of preliminary, training are required for the advanced instruction contemplated' in Canada. It is emphasised that probably the most important work of experienced Australian and New Zealand Air Force officers will be on the home fronts, preparing inexperienced personnel for advanced training. 'Such importance is attached to this that it is believed that they will serve the Empire best 13,000 miles from the war theatre. The contemplated organisation provides that squadrons should bear the name of the Dominion from which the personnel comes, and where possible be commanded by ihoir own senior officers. Possibly existing squadrons in Australia and New Zealand will become the parent bodies of training squadrons which will bear the titles of the squadrons by which they are trained, thus perpetrating the traditions and interests of the existing air forces.