Disquieting Signs Of Armament Race

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7301, 31 October 1933, Page 7

Disquieting Signs Of Armament Race

JAPAN AND THE AIR United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, Oct. 29. Despite official disclaimers, the newspapers continue to forecast a big expenditure on defence. The (Sunday Chronicle declares that tho Royal Air Force is building over a hundred lighting aeroplanes, equipped with machine-guns, and a squadron of giant flying boats. The Navy is contemplating a 1931 programme of 30 vessels, comprising six cruisers, two flotilla leaders, 1G destroyers, and six submarines. Japan is determined to create the world’s leadiug air force, says the (Sunday Pictorial. Japan’s new air policy aims at training a large number of soldiers and sailors to fly. Boys between 15 and 18 aro to be taught to become pilots and mechanics, thus creating a large reserve of aviators. The. naval air arm is being doubled in strength, and Japan is now manufacturing her own fighters and bombers. A French technical mission is advising the authorities. A message from Singapore states that tho coastal resort of Changi, which' is at the entrance to the channel leading to the naval base, and formerly a popular holiday resort, is now being militarised. New barracks aro being built for the accommodation of an increased number of troops. It is rumoured that another British infantry battalion will be stationed there in 1934; also that a military relief aerodrome is to be built. While there is not the slightest sign of a scare, the developments generally are commended, it being realised that in the event of trouble in the Far East Singapore would be the placo most concerned.