THE DEFENCE OF FRANCE

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21512, 29 June 1935, Page 15

THE DEFENCE OF FRANCE

STRENGTHENING OF ALL FORCES EXPENDITURE OF HUGE SUMS PROPOSED /UNITED rHES3 ASSOCIATION—UV KLBCTIUC TELEGRAPH—COPYUIOUT.) (Received June 28, 7.30 p.m.) PARIS, June 27. In spite of her huge budget deficit France proposes spending a supplementary £42,250,000 on land, sea, and air armaments. Bills have been tabled providing for an increase of £ 14,750,000 for the army, including £9,500,000 to be devoted to strengthening establishments and making munitions £ 24,000 000 for the air force, and £3,500,000 for the navy, mainly for modernising warships. The new expenditure for air defence provides £ 10.000,000 for new aeroplanes and £6,500.000 for airports, industrial mobilisation, and the training of civilians. The bills are not regarded as France's reply to the Anglo-German naval agreement because the increases could not have been decided on in so short a time. IMPORTANT NAVAL MANOEUVRES BREST. June 27. The most important French naval' manoeuvres since the war began today when 50 warships, representing almost the entire strength of the navy, were drawn up in Dournenez Bay for inspection by M. Francois Pietri (Minister for Marine). Thousands watched a mock seaplane bombardment and searchlight exercises. The manoeuvres, though not connected with Germany's naval plans, are considered appropriate in the circumstances.