NEW AIR PROGRAMME

Evening Post, Volume CXVII, Issue 18, 21 July 1934, Page 9

NEW AIR PROGRAMME

PRESS COMMENT VARIES

GOVERNMENT'S TWO VOICES

LONDON, July 20. "The Times,",in a leader, says that the air programme in contradistinction tp. fantastic demands in somo quarters, is.a strictly practicable, capable, and well-balanced expansion. Mr. Baldwin clearly indicated that the programme was dictated by tho failure of Britain's example to secure international disarmament. . ,

"Its intention," it states, "far from starting now aerial competition, will probably prevent this. Mr. Baldwin regards a special Imperial Air Conference as superfluous, but surely there is a chance of extending co-opora'tion beyond the present interchango' of half-a--dojseri air force men with tho Dominions?''

The Parliamentary of ' ? The Times " says' that it is estimated that the aerial 'programme will cost £20,000,000, very little of which will be spent in the .present financial year beyond the four squadrons already promised. The Government-proposes, during tho time the scheme is being! carried outj, to complete the work on the air and naval base at Singapore, but the schemo ia maiuly for Homo defence CABINET'S: BROAD AIM. Cabinet's broad aim is to devise protection for London and industrial areas from Yorkshire to Southampton. A considerable amount of the expenditure will be on nW searchlight and anti-air-craft gun stations. The; scheme will also necessitate now aerodromes. One of tho first steps will 1)6, an extension of Cranwell, Thero must also bo an increase in personnel, including '200 pilots yearly. . It has already been decided to reopen the flying school at Digby. '

Tho-"Daily Mails, political, correspondent says that inauy, members of the House of; Commons consider that tho Government has shirked tho task of building an adequate Air Force. Only 37 : new squadrons,' namely,' 444 machines, will bo constructed ia uncertain numbers in five- years. The'"Manchester Guardian," in a leader, says: Tho Government has spoken with two voices for months, one giving lip sorvice to disarmament and the other displaying contempt for such aspirations. Half tho Government has thrown, up the sponge and the other half will bo curbed •by fear of bankruptcy. ■_. •