MR STRENGTH

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21879, 15 August 1934, Page 11

MR STRENGTH

AMERICAN NAVY BIG EXPANSION SCHEME men and machines INCBEASED FACILITIES FIVE-YEAR PROGRAMME By Telesrnph—Press Association—Copyright (Received August 14, 5.45 p.m.) WASHINGTON. August 13 A new five years' naval air arm expansion programme providing for a big increase in fighting aircraft and pilots is being drafted by the chairman of the / Naval Committee of the House of Representatives, Mr." Carl Vinson, in cooperation with the Navy Department, for presentation to the next Congress. Mr. Vinson informed journalists today that the programme would involve the construction of up to 2100 naval aeroplanes. These had been already authorised by Congress, but no appropriation had been voted. / The development of the naval aircraft factory at Philadelphia and an increase in the facilities at the Naval Aviation Training School at Pensacola, Florida, were also included in the programme A recent cablegram from Washington stated: A plan for a ring of antiaircraft guns around the United State!}, with special air defences for the Panama Canal, has been approved by the Secr<stary of War, Mr. G. H. Dern, for submission to Congress. The first year's outlay has been 7 set down at £7,000,000. The plan calls for the newest equippient in anti-aircraft guns, searchlights and fire control for eight regular army regiments, seven National Guard regiments and 19 reserve army regiments. Mr. Dern's recent visit to Panama revealed the urgent need of air defences, and moved him to reopen the whole question of the vulnerability of the United States to attack from the air. The proposed 1000 new aeroplanes will bring the total air establishment to 2400 machines. The present anti-aircraft defences comprise four, out-of-date units in the United States and others in Panama, v Hawaii and the Philippines.