ITALY’S DEFENCE
CREATION OF STRONG AIR FORCE DECIDED ON BY MUSSOLINI FLEET OF SEAPLANES ESSENTIAL The Premier of Italy is determined to create an air force strong enough to compete with other countries. A strong fleet of seaplanes is considered essentia) to defend the vast extent of sea coast. By Telegraph—Press Association. Copyright. London, November 27. Tho Rome correspondent of “The Times” says that Signor Mussolini is determined to create an air force strong enough to compete with other countries. When the Fascist Government entered into office, the country possessed only a hundred effective aeroplanes. To-day the Italian Royal Air Force, which is wholly independent of the Army and Navy, has a thousand machines, and by June will possess 4500. The Government considers that this number will enable the country adequately to hold its own. Italy’s geographical position and natural conformation cause the development of aviation to lie more in the direction of seaplanes than in that of aeroplanes. The Alps on the north are a formidable barrier against air attack from land; but the vast extent of the sea coast and the strategic position of Italy in relation to the other Mediterranean Powers render a strong force of seaplanes essential to defence. The recent developments are therefore mainly directed io maritime air defence. —“The Times.”
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Bibliographic details
Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 55, 29 November 1923, Page 7
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216ITALY’S DEFENCE Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 55, 29 November 1923, Page 7
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