AIR FLEETS OF POWERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 17984, 9 January 1922, Page 5

AIR FLEETS OF POWERS.

LIMITATION IMPRACTICABLE. CONCLUSION AT WASHINGTON Australian »nd N.Z. Cable Association. (Seed. 5.30 p.m.) WASHINGTON, Jan. 1. The report of the sub-committee on aircraft was presented to the Armaments Committee to-day. Its conclusions are largely negative. It expresses the opinion that attempts to limit the numbers, character, and use of commercial aircraft would be disastrous to tho world's progress. It is inconceivable that any limitations should be placed on commercial aviation, and the development of commercial aeronautics and the air power of nations are inseparable. It is also utterly impracticable to regulate civil aircraft owned and operated by States, and it is useless to lay down rules that commercial and civil aircraft be not used in war. Regarding military aircraft, the problem of finding a suitable ratio between the air forces of the different Powers is almost insuperable, and any system of international inspection to ascertain the character and numbers of aircraft would only lead to ill-feeling and friction. It is impossible to enforce a limitation or to distinguish between commercial and war aircraft. Only in regard to lighter-than-air craft is it possible to exercise control in commercial and war alike, as their size render their concealment impossible, but such control would be objectionable, as tending to hamper legitimate civil enterprise.

Tho committee recommends that questions of rules for the use of aircraft in war should not be considered, as all the members are not prepared for such consideration, and that the subject should bo referred to a further conference at a later date,

The Italian representative suggested that tho air power of a nation might be limited by placing a limit on the number of pilots in tho permanent military establishment.

Tho American spokesman to-day indicated that the present conference is not likely to do much in the matter of aircraft, but it might refer the intricate work of formulating rules of war to a committee of jurists,

It is probable that consideration of aircraft proposals will be allowed to go over to another conference, though Signor Schanzer wants, on behalf of Italy, a resolution condemning the bombardment of open towns from the air.

It is understood that Mr. Balfour has announced to the conference that the powers of the British delegates do not permit them to engage in questions involving revision of international law, which therefore are likely to be referred to a commission of jurists.