EMPIRE DEFENCE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22046, 28 February 1935, Page 11

EMPIRE DEFENCE

BRITAIN'S PLANS HIGHER COST EXPECTED MISSIONS OF' INSPECTION DISCUSSIONS IN LONDON By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright „ LONDON, Feb. 2G A special Cabinet meeting has decided, in view of the impending visit to London of the Dominion Prime Ministers, to hold a general debate on Imperial defence in the House of Commons, as the outcome of Sir Maurice Hankey's tour, and in connection with the defence estimates, which will be issued next week. It is recognised that the Navy, Army and Air Force estimates will inevitably be substantially higher than last year. Cabinet is anxious that the House of Commons should discuss the estimates in their entirety, besides the votes for the separate services. The political correspondent of the Star says the defence estimates are expected to be increased by £10,000,000, enabling more aeroplanes, tanks, armoured cars and warships to be built. Major-General F. W. Barron will carry out a mission similar to that of General Sir Archibald MontgomeryMassingberd, Chief of the Imperial General Staff, who is to make a tour of inspection in Egypt, Palestine and the Sudan. Major-General Barron will visit Singapore, Hongkong, Colombo and Aden. His and Sir Archibald Mont-gomery-Massingberd's reports will be collated and submitted to the Committee of Imperial Defence in readiness for the discussions by the Empire Prime Ministers.