AFFAIRS ABROAD

Northern Advocate, 2 May 1935, Page 5

AFFAIRS ABROAD

BRITISH STATEMENT EAGER ANTICIPATION. RECENT EVENTS IN EUROPE. f [British Official Wireless.] (Received 1 p.m.) RUGBY, May 1. The important debate on foreign affairs to be held .in the House of Commons tomorrow will open with a statement from the Government, which it is expected the Prime Minister will make upon the recent events in Europe. The main factors upon which members and the public require information are the conference at Stresa, which will be followed by the visits to European capitals by British Ministers, the subsequent League session at Geneva, the increase in Germany’s air power, Germany’s construction of submarines, and the British Government’s estimate of these events and attitude towards them. The issues may be broadly divided into two categories: Firstly, the methods to be pursued in order to ensure the maintenance of peace in Europe, and, secondly, the fulfilment of all the requisite measures to maintain Britain’s home defences at an adequate level. . It has frequently been recalled during the past few weeks, and mainly in relation to the reported rapid increases in Gerfhany’s strength, that Mr Stanley Baldwin gave a pledge on behalf of, the Government to maintain thq British Air Force at a strength equal to that of any country within striking distance, and many members of Parliament are anxious- to be reassured that this promise will, in any circumstances, be fulfilled. On this point “The Times” remarks: “We should tell Germany plainly that she will not outbuild us in the air. This Is not a provocation, but a simple reminder of our accepted policy.” At the same time “The Times” emphasises its view that “the prevention of violence must still have as its main object the attainment of that agreed peace, freely negotiated on equal terms, which Europe has never yet had since the War.” ‘ AIR FLEET EXPANSION. MEETING GERMAN CHALLENGE. (Received 1.30 p.m.) 1 LONDON, May 1. The lobbyist of the “Daily Telegraph” says that Cabinet for two houfs discussed the European situation and the disturbing revelations of ''German rearmament. As a result Mr MacDonald will make an important declaration in the House of Commons tomorrow. It is understood that he will announce that the Government intends to meet the situation created by the formation of a German air fleet, already bigger than purs, by a big expansion of the Royal Air Force. It will not merely be an acceleration of the 5-year programme recently approved, but prompt action to see that Britain does not remain in an inferior position. The “Daily Mail” says Cabinet decided to increase the strength of the Air Force without delay.