BRITAIN ON THE ALERT

Evening Star, Issue 22688, 30 June 1937, Page 11

BRITAIN ON THE ALERT

EMERGENCY PREPARATIONS RAW MATERIALS ACCUMULATED (British Official Wireless.) Press Association —By Telegraph—Copyright RUGBY, June 28. The Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence (Sir Thomas Inskip) informed a meeting of business men that vast resources of naval oil fuel had i been accumulated and the most important raw materials stored up in preparation for an industrial emergency. Food production,'he said, could be increased for military and civil requirements. Squadrons numbering 322 out of the 123 formed after the commencement of the rearmament programme would be at full strength on July 1. The naval building programme for 1936-37 was well advanced, and the highest constructional standards had been attained. In London an anti-aircraft division was being equipped as speedily as possible, though the recruiting was only half of what was required. UP-TO-DATE NAVY (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, June 29. (Received June 30, at noon.) Sir Thomas Inskip (Minister for Coordination of Defence), addressing a gathering of more than 1,000 businessmen in the City of London, made an important reference to the progress of Britain’s rearmament programme and the Governent’s proposals in case of a national emergency. Dealing with the steps taken, he declared that the Navy’s readiness for its task was much greater than it was 12 months ago. Britain’s cruisers and destroyers, having regard to treaty limits, would provide the highest standard in power and efficiency possible to-day. The Minister added: “Nothing we propose is intended for aggression. It is all for defence.”