AERIAL RESOURCES

Greymouth Evening Star, 20 May 1942, Page 5

AERIAL RESOURCES

CONFERENCE AT OTTAWA

CO-ORDINATION PLANS

OTTAWA, May 18. The preliminary session of the United Nations Air Training Conference to-day was attended by representatives of 14 countries, including Free France. The Canadian Air Minister (Mr. C. G. Power) told the Press that one of the primary efforts of the conference would be the standardisation of air training technique. Mr. Power added that Canada was ready to put its training facilities at the disposal of any member of the United Nations desiring to use them. The Prime Minister, Mr. Mackenzie King, will formally open the conference to-morrow at a session of the Senate and House of Commons. MR. KING’S ADDRESS. (Rec. 12.20 p.m.) OTTAWA, May 19. Mr. Mackenzie King, in a speech at the Air Training Conference, welcomed the delegates. He regretted the absence of Russia. Mr. King said that the imperative need was coordinated air strength. “In perfecting co-ordinated effort among the United Nations lies the key to victory. In many fields, means of achieving unified action in prosecuting the war have already been devised, such as unified strategic direction, common planning, and the unified allocation of munitions and raw materials. The aim of the conference is not merely the discussion of problems. It is proposed 'to explore all possible avenues of cooperation and co-ordination in the air training field, with a view to planning the best and most-speedy use of all the existing facilities. It is imperative to keep in mind that air training is directed to actual combat in the air. The ultimate purpose all have in view is the attainment of overpowering and decisive air strength. The magnificent contributions already made to that end by the United Kingdom and the United States are the pride of all who love valour and who cherish freedom.”

MR. ROOSEVELT’S GREETING

(Rec. 12.20 p.m.) OTTAWA, May 19. Mr. Roosevelt has instructed Mr. Robert Lovett, United States Assistant Secretary for War, to deliver a message to the Air Conference, conveying his personal greetings. He said: “It is fitting that the conference should .be held in Canada, because Canada has increasingly become the aerodrome of democracy, and is sending from the training fields thousands of her own and other men of the United Nations to fight for the cause of liberty over all battlefields in this planetary war. Without Canada’s tremendous contribution to our common destiny, the cause of the United Nations might have been greatly imperilled. With Canada’s valiant unswerving aid. with the joined power of courage and audacity-your conference symbolises, the people of the United Nations can look forward confidently along the hard road of victory. The hopes of free men and women everywhere, and the hopes of those who are awaiting liberation in the countries the savage invaders have darkened and despoiled, are with the United Nations.” (Recd. 11.35 a.m.) OTTAWA, May 19.

The Air Training Conference discussions continued to-day in closed sessions. The Air Minister, Mr Power, will make a statement daily. The conference chairman said that the nations represented will work in three main groups: —Firstly, the British quartet, Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand with the United States; secondly, other countries training in America, such as Norway, the Netherlands, and China; and thirdly, countries not training in America, but chiefly in Africa and England, such as Poland, Czechoslovakia, Greece, Belgium, South Africa and Free France. The United States group will have at least three committees working on different subjects simultaneously. Major General Barton Young, Commander of the United States Air Training, in a statement to the Press said we are nearing the point where any pilot of any one of the United Nations can step into any of the other nations’ show. The Air Minister, Mr. Power said that the ideal situation would be a pool, including all pilots and all planes of the United Nations.

AIRCRAFT PRODUCTION

RUGBY, May 18

Recorded developments in American aircraft production show how Mr. Roosevelt’s goal of 60,000 machines in 1942 is being carried out. Production exceeded 2000 in October, and by the end of December 5000 engines monthly were coming off the assembly lines. Floor space in factories then occupied 45,000,000 square feet, compared with 9,500,000 in 1939. It is being increased to 80,000,000 this year. Whereas 194,000 workers were employed in January, 1941, there were 326,000 in December. By this Autumn the number is expected to exceed 700,000. The output in 1942 is expected to be double last year’s in value. American officials stated in December that the output of engines surpassed Germany’s and the production of aircraft would exceed Germany’s in the early Spring of 1942. This point has now been left behind. A speaker in the House of Representatives said recently that the United States was producing 33,000 aircraft monthly. These figures are seen in London in the light of Mr. Churchill’s recent statement that this year the British and American bomber offensive against Germany will be one of the principal features of the war. It is pointed out that the devastating raids already carried out have been the work of the Royal Air Force alone.

RAID ON ENGLAND. (Recd. 9.55 a.m.) LONDON, May 19. Berlin radio stated that the Luftwaffe attacked the English southern and south-eastern coasts, including large factories. LATER . The Berlin radio says that the Luftwaffe last night dive-bombed Brighton railway station, and got direct hits on a lactory on the outskirts of the town. GIFT TO AIRMEN. LONDON, May 18. Although the leader of the Australian Spitfire Squadron, Squadron Leader Brendan Finucane, D. 5.0., D F.C. and bar, is barred from accepting the gift of £ 1000 made to himself and Squadron Leader Keith Truscott by the Melbourne sportsman, Mr. John Wren, Squadron Leader Trusci tt is not barred, because Dominions personnel are not bound by King’s Regulations. . . Mrs. Finucane is keeping £5OO in trust for her son. She said he had been offered a big sum for his life story, which was not barred, because it was earned income, but he was too busy. „ , Mr. Wren sent the cheque to Squadron Leader Truscott to be shared with Squadron Leader Finucane, “in recognition of their amazing gallantry during numerous combats with the Luftwaffe.”