“Air Force Woefully Undermanned And Equipment Prehistoric”

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23316, 27 July 1950, Page 4

“Air Force Woefully Undermanned And Equipment Prehistoric”

(P.A.) WELLINGTON. July 26. “The Air Force Association does not agree that compulsory military training is a waste of time.” said the Dom- | inion president of the association. Mr.! H. A. C. Davy, today. . He was commenting on the address to yesterday's conference of the Second N.Z.E.F. Association by its president, Mr. N. Wilson. “While we agree wholeheartedly that much more attention should be paid to the Air Force, we must recognise that the Army is still a most potent factor in modern warfare," said Mr. Davy. “The Air Force Association has supported compulsory military training because we realise the essential part to be played by ground forces, “The Air Force and the Navy are part of a combat team but the physical occupation of territory still as essential in war —is a matter for the Army. The Dominion executive oi the Air , Force Association does agree, however, . that New Zealand is not doing enough , for its Air Force. It is woefully under- . manned and its equipment is almost j prehistoric. t “We do not blame either the Govern- j ment ot the R.N.Z.A.F. for this state . of affairs as the post-war period has , been difficult but in view of world | developments we urge that the Gov- i ernment should take immediate steps I ( to strengthen the Air Force with men t and modern equipment.”