MISSION TO CANADA

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20066, 12 October 1939, Page 7

MISSION TO CANADA

EMPIRE CONTACTS COMMON CAUSE (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed. Oct. 11, 2.50 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 10. Dealing with the exploits of planes of the Royal Air Force, the Air Minister, Sir Kingsley Wood, said during his address to-day that a few days ago British aircraft flew the whole length of Germany from the Saar to theJMorth Sea and* thence to Heligoland without serious interruption and safoly landed in England. “Engagements with the enemy have more than confirmed the high opinion of the types of planes which the Royal Air Force possesses,” he said. “A specimen of the latest Messerschmidt lias fallen intact into the hands of the French, enabling us to test it out. Some people imagine that the German production is'perfect. On the contrary, we know there are serious setbacks and many difficulties in the German production of military aviation. “The production in France recently has made great strides. “Not the least in our expansion programme is the part to be played by Canada and Australia and New Zealand, which have agreed, in principle, to an outline of an arrangement submitted last month by the British Government for the rapid expansion and training of personnel and the production of aeroplanes. A British mission headed by Lord Riversdalc is already on the way to Canada to meet there corresponding missions from Australia and New Zealand. They will discuss with the Canadian authorities all steps for the institution of tlie new organisation. “After training in Canada the personnel will join cither the air force squadrons maintained in the respective Dominions or in a theatre of operations of the British Royal Air Force units. “Lord Riversdale’s mission and the Australian and New Zealand missions will together discuss with the Canadian authorities all further steps for the rapid execution of the Empire air plans whereby the Dominions will bring their full weight and might to secure the success of the common cause. “The Government pays tribute to the vision and imagination of the Dominion statesmen wiio so promptly recognised the significance of this great conception and is most grateful to the Dominion High Commissioners for their helpful cooperation.”