Nelson Evening Mail WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 1936 A COMPARISON WITH 1914

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 17 June 1936, Page 6

Nelson Evening Mail WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 1936 A COMPARISON WITH 1914

SPEAKING in London, early m the week, the Secretary of State for War said: "Nobody with the slightest knowledge will deny that the situation in Europe is far worse than in 1914.” In that year, prior to the outbreak of war, the position was that the Trip e Alliance (Germany, Austria, and Turkey) was armed to the teeth and ready for war —in fact spoiling foi a fight—and, on the other hand, were France, Russia, and Britain (the Triple Entente) desirous of peace, dreading war, but determined to defend themselves if the Central Powers attacked. As will be remembered, they did attack, and Europe was plunged into what was probably the worst, war in her history. To-day the situation is somewhat different. It does not seem that there is in Europe any Power or groups of Powers which desires and intends to make war for the purpose of aggrandisement and territorial expansion. France and Britain earnestly desire the maintenance of peace. The Russian Government’s attention is directed towards the Far East, where it fears Japanese aggression; its desire and policy seem to be directed towards the maintenance of peace in Europe. Italy, successful in her African war, has declared by the mouth of Signor Mussolini that she has no intention of breaking the peace of Europe. Nevertheless the Hon. A. Duff-Cooper, the British Minister referred to, says in regard to the European situation, We are joking and laughing, refusing to face facts, and allowing people to preach that it is wicked to defend women and children from gas attacks ” It is the fear of attack by aeroplanes which obsesses the European nations. Such attack would be comparatively easy, sudden, obscured by the darkness of night, and so terrific in its psychological effects, that a malignant nation might be tempted to use it as a means for taking revenge, and re-establishing its reputation for “frightfulness.” The best protection against aerial attack is supremacy in the air. Hence the British Government’s determination to create an Air Force “second to none,” as the British Premier himself has declared. Aerial defence in New Zealand is a simpler matter, because aeroplanes which may molest this country must first be brought by ships within striking distance of it; and the capacity of ships to carry aeroplanes is limited. But we need a strong Air Force in this country, and the sooner it is created the better