EQUALITY IN THE AIR.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 25 May 1935, Page 5

EQUALITY IN THE AIR.

HITLER HAS IMPROVED .PROSPECTS OF PACT. BRITISH CIRCLES SEEK FULLER INFORMATION. (By Telegraph--Press Assn.-Copyright) Received Friday, 7.35 p.m. LONDON, May 24. Hitler’s speech is regarded in Government circles as having improved the prospects of an air pact. A means of reaching an agreement is being studied. The Daily Telegraph’s diplomatic correspondent says the Government is likely to consider calling a conference of Powers to discuss Hitler’s 13 points. It is felt this offers the best means of ascertaining how far the way is open for new agreements. In the meantime there are many points of the speech on which fuller, information is desired, A GREAT AERIAL NAVY. 1500 FIRST-LINE MACHINES. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, May 23. The Royal Air Force, acting on the Government’s declaration regarding the new air defence policy, took the first steps to-day towards increasing their personnel. They issued the full details of pay and service conditions offered in respect of the additional men required, namely, 2500 to be trained as pilots, and 20,000 artisans and unskilled men. This is in .accordance with the Government’s intention to have a. home defence force of 1500 first-line machines by 1937. In regard to recruitment measures the Air Minister, Lord Londonderry, to-day stated ‘'The pronouncement of the Government has clearly been welcome lo the nation. It does ( not reflect a policy of competition with other countries, nor a race in armaments. We welcome Herr Hitler’s offer of limitation, but at the same time we are carrying out our declared policy not to accept in- . feriority to our neighbours in * , the air. The task of expansion is a tremendous undertaking, and we need the full support and good will of the country.” Until the new service aerodromes are established civil aerodromes will be used for the training of pilots and mechanics. A ROUND-TABLE TALK. PRIME MINISTERS MEET. LONDON, May 23. A communique announces that a further meeting of the British Commonwealth Prime Ministers was held in Mr. J. Ramsay MacDonald’s room in the House of Commons and re- ' sumed discussion of the international situation, particularly regarding defence. The Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes, the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, and Sir James Parr represented New Zealand. It is understood that no special references or appeals were made to the Dominions relating to their respective defence efforts. The situation arising out of Herr Hitler’s speech and the new British air policy were explained, and there was a roundtable discussion.