AIR STRENGTH IN INDIA

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23589, 17 March 1942, Page 5

AIR STRENGTH IN INDIA

NEW BRITISH AND U.S. TYPES STATEMENT MADE BY COMMANDER (Received March 16, 7.5 p.m.) NEW DELHI, March 15. . "Air reinforcements for Burma are coming faster, and plans are being accelerated for the supply of British and American types of aircraft superior to the Japanese," said Air Marshal Sip Richard Peirse, the newly-appointed Air Officer Commanding in India. “Man for man, I don’t think we have anything to fear. We can beat the enemy out of the skies if we meet on anything like equal terms. “The aircraft arriving in India are of the latest type. The Allied air forces will light to the utmost to bold Burma. They won't be content to put up an umbrella and sit under it waiting for the enemy to attack. We intend to carry the war into Japan." Sir Richard Peirse disclosed that ( American stall officers had established an air headquarters in India. He said that , the' American Volunteer Group of pilots and American aeroplane's had done magnificent work in Burma. The Royal Air Force and the Americans together had certainly accounted for 200 Japanese aircraft m Burma for an Allied loss of 42. He declared that the air defences of Burma and India had been greatly strengthened, and that the support that could be given in Burma was very different from that given in the Southwest Pacific. General Wavell had promised that Britain would fight to the utmost to hold Burma, and ha was satisfied that the Royal Air Force was in circumstances infinitely better than when the campaign opened. The first squadron of the Indian Air Force had distinguished itself In Burma, More squadrons of the Indian Air Force would be equipped with modern types as quickly a? these became available, and British and American aeroplanes which were coming in Would be shared equally among the , Indian Air Forge, the Royal Air Force, and the United States Air Force now stationed in India. United States staff officers were present at all headquarters. Paying a tribute to the Dutch airmen, Sir Richard Peirse said that he could not wish to have stouter or more courageous men. CZECHOSLOVAKIA AND WAR NATION’S RESISTANCE TO GERMANY ARMS PRODUCTION DECREASES (8.0. W.) RUGBY, March 18. More than 2000 Czechoslovakian subjects in London attended a meeting convened by tho Czechoslovak State Council to commemorate the third anniversary of the Nazi march into Prague, , „ . M. Osek, a member of the Slate Council, said that virtually the entire Czechoslovak nation was resisting the enemy. The production of arms m Czechoslovakia had decreased considerably, in some cases by 40 per cent. The number, of Slovaks deserting to the Red Army was growing, and anUFascist Sudeten Germans were also effectively hampering the Nazi war machine. ‘ . , . „ . The Czechoslovak air force m Retain was pounding the enemy and a Czechoslovak army in Russia would soon go into action; A Czechoslovak army in Britain was preparing in th» hope that it would soon come to grips with the enemy. A special message of encouragement was broadcast by Lord Cranborne, Colonial Secretary, to Czechoslovakia. "All we in Britain and throughout the world who believe itj liberty have watched with profound admiration the valiant stand which the Czechoslovak people are making against Nazi tyranny,” Lord Cranborne said. “No nation has ever shown more heroic resistance. It has shone like an unquenchiiblc flame in the dark night through which we are passing. “We salute you and bid you to he of good cheer. The arms of freedom are on the march, and with .God's will we shall soon be through our troubles. Then you noble Czechoslovak people will win your reward.” Dav of Prayer In Australia,—AH Australian churches were crowded yeaterday. when, in response to an appeal made by the Prime Minister <Mr J. , Curtin), a national day of prayer wai held.—Sydney, March 16.