GERMAN AIM.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 55, 6 March 1935, Page 7

GERMAN AIM.

AIR IMPREGNABILITY. Many Gasproof and Fireproof Shelters Erected. HUGE BERLIN EXCAVATION. (United P.A.—Electric Telegraph—Copyright) (Received 10.30 a.m.) BERLIN, March o. Although the military theory so far has been that the most effective defence against aerial raiders is to counter-attack the enemy's cities, Germany is now aiming at "air impregnability." This includes an abundance of gasproof and fireproof cellars with the population knowing how to behave in the event of a raid.

In addition to a spectacular "blackout" in Berlin on March 19, various districts in the capital are nightly carrying out air-protection exercises. Foreign diplomats, including the British Embassy, are reported to have agreed to co-operate in the ''blackout," by darkening their windows and motor lights.

Meanwhile, a huge excavation, the s!zo of Piccadilly Circus, is being made in the centre of Berlin. Hoardings are screening the entrances which are strictly guarded. It is believed that huge cellars are being constructed for use as garages in peace-time and as protection in wartime.

UNUSUAL PROCEDURE

White Paper Initialled by Prime Minister. BRITISH PRESS COMMENT. LOXDOX, March 5. The White Paper on the defence Estimates is featured in all the morning newspapers. Besides the use of the phrase "National Government" instead of "His Majesty's Government," the paper is unusual for the concluding initials, "J.R.M."

Mr. Mac Donald clearly did this in liis capacity as chairman of the Committee of Imperial Defence, nevertheless it is regarded as curious that a single Minister should sign an official statement of Government policy.

The political correspondent of the "Daily Express" states that Sir Maurice Haukey's report, after his Empire tour, was such that it was resolved to increase the defensive forces without delay. The heads of all the fighting services joined with Sir Maurice in liis strong representations.

The writer adds: Mr. Mac Donald, disillusioned by visits to Geneva, and hopeless of results from the Disarmament Conference, never believed in an endless policy of one-sided disarmament and decided upon action. He personally drew up the White Paper after consultation witli Sir John Simon, who also is, a disillusioned man.

Close students detect many evidences in the document of the authorship of Mr. Mac Donald, who purposely chose the unusual course of initialling it to indicate his complete agreement with the policy.

The '"Daily Telegraph ,, diplomatic correspondent says: The plain statement regarding Germany's rearmament and the militaristic bringing-up of ■ German youth is regarded as providing a pointer for the coming Berlin conversations. It is the Government's considered view that the pacific declarations, of Germany's leaders would be more reassuring if they were accompanied by proof of a halt in this menacing policy.

The correspondent says it is understood that leading members of the Government nre insistent that this point shall be emphasised to Heir Hitler.

The "News-Chronicle" says: Few people will suspect the Government of planning to make war. The real charge against Mr. Mac Donald and his colleagues is that of being mostly elderly and cynical. They were never inspired by passionate faith in the League ideal aiid never really crusaded for disarmament. Xow they wearily let generals and admirals persuade them to abandon their attempts.

The publication of the increased armament estimates, says the paper, is almost' tantamount to sabotaging Sir John Simon's mission to Berlin : and Moscow.

The "News-Chronicle" adds that Viscount Snowden's comment, after hearing a broadcast of Mr. Mac Donald's defence statement, was: ''The most tragic document since the war." He remarked further: "The excuse that Germany is responsible for our iiir v creased armaments is terrible, coining on the eve of Sir John Simon's visit to Berlin.

"The whole document might have been drawn up by the French Foreign Oflice. Britain's subservience to France led us into one war, and it seems likely to lead us into another."

Lftjjonr members of the House of Commons whole-heartedly oppose the increase in the Estimates and Labour is certain to table a vote of censure. The "Daily Herald" says: An armaments race is on. Mr. Mac Donald and his "colleagues justify it with precisely the sort of arguments Herr Hitler and General Goering use in Germany. Mr. MacDonald dismisses the international machinery for the maintenance of peace as unreliable. Thus Mr. MaeDonald attempts to frighten the people into condoning the policy which led to the World War.

Mr. Baldwin and Sir John Simon, also the chief Ministers, will participate in the debate on March 11. Sir John will specially fly from Berlin.