BRITISH AIR FORCE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18511, 23 March 1922, Page 5

BRITISH AIR FORCE

“HANDY-MAN” IN FIGHTING SERVICES. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, March 21. (Received March 22, In presenting the air estimates Captain Guest (Air Minister) welcomed the Government’s decision to retain a separate autonomous Air Ministry. After the Geddes cuts the air force would consist of 31 squadrons, of which 19£ would be abroad. Illustrating the value of the force, he related that only last week two aeroplanes stationed at Aden flew over the Red Sea and within two days subdued the rebellious tribes which had stolen 4000 cattle. The air force was proving cheap and effective. It was becoming the handy-man of the fighting service. Frapce had over 60 air squadrons, and proposed even a larger programme. The Government could not accept the Geddes proposal for the abolition 61 8£ home squadrons, which were required for co-operation with the army and navy. The estimates had been reduced by £6,500,000. In consequence of most of tho dominions refusing to support the airship service he had reluctantly begun negotiations to sell the airships. He strongly favoured the maintenance of crosschannel services, which were regarded as a training operation for linking up the Empire. The Ministry intended steadily to develop further links in the Imperial chain. Major-general Seely thought that the air economies had gone far enough. Field-marshal Sir Henry Wilson challenged the wisdom of an independent air force which was not supported by any soldier or sailor of eminence' who had participated in the late war. He pleaded for more generous support of civil aviation. Lieutenant-colonel Guinness moved an amendment providing that all defence forces shall be represented and co-ordi-nated on the Imperial Defence Committee. Mr Churchill said if the war had lasted a few months longer we would have seen vast operations conducted from tho East Coast upon Berlin and upon the heart of Germany, which would have increased in magnitude. It must be remembered that Britain had lost her insular position on which her greatness stood. We must be sure that wo had the leadership of the air. The only way of securing co-ordi-nation of the army, navy, and air iorce was through the Ministry of Defence, but it could not possibly be achieved at present. Lieutenant-colonel Guinness withdrew his amendment.—A. and N.Z. Cable,