ARMAMENT RACE

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 104, 30 October 1933, Page 9

ARMAMENT RACE

DISQUIETING SIGNS

JAPAN AND THE Allt

SINGAPORE'S DEFENCES

BRITISH NAVAL PLANS

United Press Assoclation^-By Electric Tel«graph—Copyright. (Received October 30, noon.) LONDON, October 29. Despite official disclaimers, the newspapers continue to forecast a big expenditure on defence. The "Sunday Chronicle" declares that the Royal Air Force is building over a hundred fighting aeroplanes, equipped with machine-guns, and a squadron of giant flying boats. The N,avy is contemplating a 1934 programme of thirty vessels, comprising six cruisers, two flotilla leaders, sixteen destroyers, and six submarines.

Japan is determined to create the world's leading air force, says the "Sunday Pictorial." Japan's new air policy aims at training a large number of soldiers and sailors to fly. Boys between fifteen! and eighteen are to be taught to become pilots and mechanics, thus creating a large reserve of aviators.

The naval air arm is being doubled in strength, and Japan is now manu: .factoring her own fighters and bombers. A French technical mission is advising the authorities.

A message from Singapore states that the coastal resort of Changi, which is at the entrance to the channel leading to the naval base, and formerly a. popular holiday resort, is now being militarised. New barracks are being built for the accommodation of an increased number of! troops. It is rumoured that another British infantry battalion will be stationed there in 1934; also that a military relief aerodrome is to be jbuilt. While there is not the slightest sign of a scare, the developments j generally are commended, it being [realised that in the event of trouble in the Far East Singapore would b« i the place most concerned.