INSPECTION OF AEROPLANE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 27 March 1922, Page 5

INSPECTION OF AEROPLANE

LONDON, March 26. The Air Ministry announces that Sir Percy Cox, High’' Commissioner for Iraki accompanied by his staff, carried out the first aerial inspection of part of the country lying along the Euphrates. The flight was of JUO miles, accomplished in a day. The phrty was carried in three Vickers Vernon troop-carrying aeroplanes, each\capablc of carrying a load of nearly two tons, and. accommodating 12 persons with full military equipment, in addition to pilots, water and food supplies. The party was escorted by 12 The visit greatly impressed the tribes. The Vernon machines are destined to play an important part in the garrisoning of Irak when it conies entirely under Air Force Control. LONDON, March 25.

Brigadier-General Groves, air expert, concluding a series of , special articles in The Time si, submits that the aims of British air policy should be: — .

(1) To build a® rapidly and economically as possible a striking air force for Homo defence, lest the heart of the Empire be open to sudden attack from the air. (2) To provide army and navy with specialised air forces with essential efficiency.

(3) To create a Royal Air Force organisation to carry out the duties at present performed by the army and navy.

(4) To maintain and develop the aircraft industry. Civil aviation has suffered! in the past because it had not been definitely and clearly identified with National defence.