ARMS ESTIMATES

Greymouth Evening Star, 14 April 1934, Page 7

ARMS ESTIMATES

GERMAN REPLY TO BRITAIN.

[by CABLE —PBESS ASSN. —COPYBIGHT.]

LONDON, April 13.

The German Government’s reply to the British inquiry in reference to Germany’s increased arms estimates, has been received at the Foreign Office.

The “Daily Telegraph” diplomatic correspondent understands that it/argues that the Versailles Treaty contains no clauses limiting Germany’s actual expenditure on armaments, and it explains the German military estimates by preparations for an early transformation of the Reichswehr' into a larger, but short-service, militia army, in accordance with a desire expressed by all Powers at the Disarmament Conference. It says the naval increases are due to the replacement of obsolete tonnage, and some of the warships are deemed to be a danger to the crews.

The Note says the air increases are due to the necessity for improving the types of craft used and the conditions of working in civil aviation; and secondly, to anti-aircraft measures to protect the civilian population. It is argued that a lack of military aviation renders the need of such measures more urgent. U.S. MUNITIONS TRUST. WASHINGTON, April 12. The Senate has adopted a resolution providing for a. wide investigation into the so-called “Munitions Trust.” The committee of inquiry is authorised to follow up charges that the arms makers are actively fomenting war. It also will consider the desirability of a Government monopoly in the manufacture of machines of war. 'rhe sponsors of the resolution originally wished to have an amendment to the Revenue Bill, providing for double taxation on the munition makers in war-time. but. this is held in abeyance pending the report of the Investigation Committee.