Axis Air Output Outstripped

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 103, 2 May 1941, Page 8

Axis Air Output Outstripped

TT.S.-BRITISH RATE LONDON, April 30. A spokesman for the American aircraft industry reported to the United States Chamber of Commerce to-day that, according to tho best obtainable estimates, half the United States's aeroplane production, plus Britain’s output, now exceeds the total plane production •f the Axis Powers, The total production in the United 'States, this year, he said, would be üB,OOO, and next year 30,000. The War Department has awarded a •43-million dollars contract for planes and parts to the Douglas Aircraft Company. This is believed to presage the development of a fleet of 70-ton aerial dreadnoughts approximately twice the sire of the army’s present biggest bombers. The Secretary for the Navy, Colonel Knox, states that, the navy is expected to build substantial numbers of highspeed mosquito boats for Britain, but stresses that larger warships are unavailable for transfer. Admiral Land, chairman of the Maritime Commission, disclosed ' that President Roosevelt was planning to create a vast, pool of American merchant vessels and requisitioned foreign ships which could, be used anywhere and at any time in connection with defence.