AIR ARMAMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22100, 4 May 1935, Page 13

AIR ARMAMENTS

DECISION OF BRITAIN INFERIORITY .TO CEASE MR. BALDWIN'S ASSURANCE PRIME MINISTER CONFIRMS By Telegraph—Presn Association—Copyright (Received May 3. 7.15 p.m.) British Wireless RUGBY, May 2 Referring to air armaments during his statement on foreign affairs in the House of Commons to-day the Prime Minister recalled Mr. Baldwin's assurances of last November that in no case would Britain accept any position of inferiority in regard to whatever Air Force might be raised in Germany in the future.

During the visit of Sir John Simon and Mr. Anthony Eden to Berlin Herr Hitler stated that Germany had reached parity with Britain in the air. Whatever might be the exact interpretation of that phrase in terms of air strength, it undoubtedly indicated that the German force had been expanded to a point considerably in excess of the estimates previously placed before the Housb of Commons. That was a grave fact in regard to which both the Government and the Air Ministry had taken immediate notice. Expansion ol British Strength " The Government takes this early opportunity of stating publicly that Mr. Baldwin's declaration stands and that already it is taking steps for a further and accelerated expansion of the British Air Force," said Mr. MacDonald.

To implement his statement the Prime Minister recalled the references to an air pact in the London declaration and the reference to it in the Stresa resolution. This latter, he said, might turn out to be of great importance. In it Britain, France and Italy had agreed " to continue the active study of the question with a view to the drafting of a pact between the five Powers mentioned in the London communique, and of any bilateral agreements which might accompany it." This resolution was under consideration at the moment by the British Government and he would like to interpolate the hope in connection with the further consideration of this pact that they might reach an agreement as regards air strength. " The destructive possibilities of air warfare are so appalling," said the Prime Minister, " that surely every civilised nation must strive its utmost to reduce the use of this terrible weapon. Air Pact Commended to Berlin " At this moment, before we have gone very far, the British Government urges with all the influence it commands that a halt should be called and that the Powers concerned should limit the air arm within well-defined bounds to be fixed by free negotiations.

" I Commend this course, if I may venture to do so—and I make bold to do so—especially to the German Government. Public opinion in this country indicates approval of the attempts to find practical ways of setting up this instrument of mutual security. " In this matter we are moved by no thought of oppressive military alliances— they form no part of our purpose. But wo &re seeking with t e Powers, including Germany, a defensive combination against attack which will protect our civilian population in particular against the destruction which aerial warfare makes absolutely inevitable." PRESS COMMENT BRITAIN'S GREAT TASK BUILDING UP AIR FORCE (Received May 3, 5.5 p.m.) . LONDON. May 3 The Daily Mail says the country would have welcomed a definite declaration that an adequate air programme would immediately be begun. The fact that General Goering, Premier of Prussia, is aiming at parity with France, which is four-fold Britain's strength, indicates the magnitude of Britain s task. The News Chronicle says: No British Government, however passionately it advocated peace, could fall behind its neighbour's Air Force. Nevertheless, the public will acquiesce only if the Government continues building up collective security, to which the door is open to Germany. The Daily Mail's political correspondent says a sub-committee of the Cabinet, instmcted that Britain must build aeroplanes until they equal Germany's, has been formed to draw up plans in conjunction with the Air Ministry. Little advance will be possible for several months, as the foundations for tho production of aeroplanes and the personnol must be laid. In the meantime, the Cabinet has agreed to the necessity of developing the facilities for training tho personnel. The Daily Telegraph's political correspondent says he understands that a new air programme will bo presented to the House of Commons later in the month. It will involve speedy and substantial expansion, not merely acceleration of the programme already announced. The Government, ho says, intends to ask for a supplementary Estimate. Steps also are being taken to extend training facilities. Mr. Mac Donald's statement, in spite of its strong tone against Germany, caused considerable restlessness among Conservatives, particularly those who arc pressing for a vast Air 1' orce. The impression in the lobbies is that Mr. Mac Donald still hopes for Germany's co-operation in collective security. The Conservatives say the Government must immediately be forced to work every aeroplane factory in Britain to its capacity LADY HOUSTON RENEWAL OF OFFER (Received May 3, 6.5 p.m.) LONDON, May 3 Lady Houston, in a message to tho Secretary of State for Air, the Marquess of Londonderry, says: " In order to commemorate the silver jubilee, also in view of the dire necessity, I renew my offer of £200,000 for the air defence of London " This recalls Mr. Neville Chamberlain's previous rejection of the offer as it was impossible to accept gifts in excess of expenditure Parliament had approved.