GERMANY'S AIR FORCE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22352, 25 February 1936, Page 8

GERMANY'S AIR FORCE

What the Marquess of Londonderry has said about the German Air Force should be heeded. Returning from a private visit to Germany, he has expressed his opinion that, when this force completes its training, it will probably be the strongest in the world. He does not regard this development as directed against Britain, not even against France; it is merely, a'S he sees it, an insurance of security by the best means. Nevertheless, when one nation sets out to create the strongest air force in the world other nations ought to take notice, especially when the one moved by this ambition shows a disposition to be aggressive. Mr. Baldwin's memorable speech in November, 1932, emphasised the appalling speed and range that aircraft will have in any warfare of these and coming days. It may be Germany's thoroughgoing effort? 3to create a dominant air force have no motive inimical to Britain; but it may not be so, and the obligations of mutual defence under the Locarno treaties may involve Britain in a war against the possessor of this force. To be mindful of the risk is an urgent duty, notwithstanding Lord Londonderry's assurance about Germany's present friendliness. Another disquieting aspect of the fact he has noted with the expertnes'3 of a former Secretary of State for Air is its bearing upon hopes of disarmament. It was by treaty-breaking activity in developing an air force that Germany threw down the gauntlet to other Powers; therefore it is utterly unlikely that Germany will be prepared to forgo any advantage conferred by this possession. General disarmament will be hampered by the certain refusal to give it up. Whatever negotiations be pursued, the need to think in terms of adequate defence against this formidable foreign weapon cannot be safely neglected.