NO SINGAPORE.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 17985, 31 January 1924, Page 9

NO SINGAPORE.

BASE ABANDONED. BIG AIRSHIP SCHEME. WILL PLACE BRITAIN FIRST. (as cable—rasas association —cortsiasx.) (Stone* "Sun"' Sesyicjs.) (Received January 30th, 5.3 p.m.) LONDON, January 29. It is authoritatively learned that tho Government has abandoned tho Singapore site, and intends to tow tho largest dry dock at Singapore to Britain. It is understood that Brigadier Thomson (Secretary of State for Air) is already considering an airship scheme. Admiral Sir Cecil Burney is confident regarding the outcome, and believes that Parliament will diecuss it in February. If the scheme be ratified, the reopening of the Cardtngton works in Bedford will follow. It was in these works that tho largest wartime airships were built. The first new craft will be ready in 18 months. The new typo will bo girderless, steel strips strengthening the framework and providing a stronger and moro rigid hull than in a Zeppelin.

Sir Cecil Burney appeals to Australia and New Zealand to insist that Britain shall retain "Wrangel Island as a strategic base for an alternative Arctic route to the Antipodes, via the Pacific, possibly including Hong Kong and Singapore. It is pointed out that a. Canadian base is not advisable, owing to the difficulty in crossing the Rockies. Plans arc ready to place Britain In a pre-eminent position in airship construction. The authorities are only waiting tho word, '' Go I'' Already they have received business enquiries from three foreign countries.