AIR DEFENCE

Hokitika Guardian, 1 June 1935, Page 5

AIR DEFENCE

£200,000 SCHEME FOR LONDON.

(United Press Association—By Electric

Telegraph—Copyright)

LONDON, May 30

Mr Neville Chamberlain has declined. Lady Houston’s oiler of £2(10,000 for the air defence of London, hut is willimr to accept it as a conti ibution to the general revenue. Chief interest in the foreign affairs debate# which will take place in the Commons to-morrow, is centred in the speech „ which will he delivered by Sir John Simon, who, it is anticipated, will give information regarding the position of the proposed air pact for Western Europe between the Locarno Bowers. The project was first put forward in the 'Anglo-French declaration ot London, of February 3, with the object of reinforcing peace, and it, was stated that Italy, Germany and Belgium were to he invited to consider with them whether s uch a convention might not be promptly negotiated. The project was, accordingly, one of the subjects discussed during the visit of Sir J. Simon and Mr Eden to Berlin. Later, at the Stresa Conference, it was agreed to continue the stmt; of the question, with a view to drafting an air pact with the five .Bowers mentioned in the London communique and of any bilateral agreements which might accompany it.' The British Government since have made the promotion of any air pact one of the objects of their most earnest endeavours.

A draft pact has been prepared by the British Government for discussion and yesterday Germany’s proposals for tho pact were handed to Sir John Simon by the German Ambassador. It is understood that the German Government is in communication with the other Powers concerned, and if is presumed this draft has been communicated to them.