URGES STRENGTHENING Of U.S. FORCES

Northern Advocate, 30 November 1937, Page 7

URGES STRENGTHENING Of U.S. FORCES

(Received 10 a.m.)

WASHINGTON, November 28,

The Secretary of War, Mr H. H. Woodring,, in his 'annual report to President Roosevelfi which is regarded as most blunt for years, urges a further- strengthening of the armed forces of the' United States as ‘■‘the best means of securing peace hr an uneasy world made restless by actual and potential warfare.” - 'l. . -.' Mr Woodring recommends that the air force be maintained virtually on a wartime basis, prepared to strike at a moment’s notice if the United States were attacked. r He wants an increase of enlisted officers to 14.500,' and of the enlisted personnel to 165,000; a national guard of 210,000; the strengthening of the coast artillery; the enrolment of a reserve consisting of, 150,000;-. enlisted specialists and a h revision. . of the schedule of pay to a scale comparable with that in civil life. Efficient Army, The report says: “The army is the most efficient in peacetime history, but it is relatively weaker than last year because other nations have increased their military strength at an enormous rate. “I certainly do not recommend that we join in the feverish arms race. Our national policy is wholly defensive. It would be most undesirable to maintain, a huge standing army or any force beyond what is necessary to protect our homeland and our possessions. “However, I believe that as an assurance against attack we should strengthen our forces. It is a measure of ordinary prudence.” Increases in Air Force. Mr Woodring states that the Army at present possesses 1000 new aeroplanes and had an-additional 1000 on order.- The goal was to have 2310 by June, 1940. “In the event of a major war,” says the Minister, “the Air Force probably would- be engaged immediately after the opening of hostilities. Therefore, it is desirable to keep it almost on,a war footing in peacetime.

“The quality of the new aeroplanes is at least equal, and probably superior, to any military aeroplanes in the

world.”