BRITAIN’S AIR ESTIMATES

Hawera Star, Volume LIII, 10 March 1934, Page 5

BRITAIN’S AIR ESTIMATES

VOTE PASSED IN COMMONS CRITICAL VEWS EXPRESSED. SUM THOUGHT INADEQUATE WARNING BY CONSERVATIVES (Britisb Official Wireless,.i RUGBY, March S. Mr O. R. Attlee (Labour), following Sir Philip S ass on, in the debate in the House of Commons on the air estimates, said that though the air estimates, were increased by nearly £5,000,000 the air services’ share was the smallest, yet the decision in future wars would be reached in the air. The Government’s greatest mistake was in not whole-heartedly supporting France on the question of internationalising civil aviation and the creation of an international air force.

Captain F. E. Guest (Conservative) .saicl that the estimates were totally inadequate. Germany was re-arming and 'clearly intended-to annex; Austria, while Ireland would be delighted to side with anyone against-.. Britain.. Belgium was terrified that France was off her balance and might be under a, dictatorship within a few weeks. “We have no means for aerial defence in Britain,” he said. If there is an agreement for France to help us in the case of an emergency the nation should be told.

Air Winston Churchill (Conservative) said: “We have reached the turning point in our affairs. Our endeavours to- procure a measure of disarmament have failed, and we must henceforth look to our own safety and preserve our freedom of choice to remain outside a European war if it should break out.” Mr Churchill' said that four lines of protection whereby Britain might secure immunity front air welfare were a peaceful foreign policy, a convention regulating air warfare to military and naval objectives, parity in air power, and a- sound -system of home defence. German rearmament had entirely changed the situation, and Britain was in a dangerous position. “I dread the day when the means of threatening the heart of the British Empire will pass into the hands of the present rulers of Germany,” he continued. “Wo would be in a serious position, hut perhaps it is not far distant; perhaps a year or 18 months. We have still time to take the necessary measures to achieve parity, and I appeal specially to Mr Stanley _ Baldwin to guide the nation wisely m the present dangerous situation.” The air estimates were carried by 193 to 22 votes. The estimates amounted to LW.ooi,000 nett, an increase of £135,000.