Nelson Evening Mail SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 1936 AIR DEFENCE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 13 June 1936, Page 6

Nelson Evening Mail SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 1936 AIR DEFENCE

EARLY last month, the British Premier, Mr Baldwin, said: “The greatest peril to-day comes from the air, and it is in the air that we are making the greatest effort to strengthen our defences. ... I firmly believe that for this country (England) strength in the air, the knowledge o that strength abroad, and the knowledge that our defences are prepared against air attack are the surest guar antees of peace. . . .” It is evident that the British Government has recognised that the air arm forms an essential' factor in the defence of the country. If that is so in England, it is so in New Zealand, and it is evident that the creation and mainlenance of a strong air force are essential to the safety of this country.

The question therefore may be asked, “What is the Government doing in relation to aerial defence, and in relation to the defence of .the country generally?” There could be no greater deterrent to the invasion of this country than the knowledge that the invader would be met by a strong air force, adequately equipped, thoroughly trained, and completely ready to resist the invaders. It is not necessary to enlarge upon the advantages which such an air force would have in such circumstances. But, first of all it must exist jf it is to be of service; and therefore the country has the right to know exactly what the Government has done in the matter of air defence, what it proposes to do, and what is its general scheme of defence of these islands. It is not enough to know that Britain is taking steps to provide adequate air defence —that will not help New Zealand — what is wanted is a clear statement by our Government as to its plans for the defence of this „ country, and particularly its plans for adequate aerial defence. What steps are being take to create an adequate air force in New Zealand, what is its proposed strength to be, and when will it be able to give the country that protection which it has a right to demand from those whom it has placed in.charge of its affairs? —these are some of the questions which require answers.