BRITAIN REARMS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23331, 25 October 1937, Page 7

BRITAIN REARMS

INTENSIFIED PROGRAMME FOR DEFENCE, NOT AGGRESSION MINISTER’S PROGRESS REPORT (British Official Wireless) (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) RUGBY, Oct. 23. (Received Oct. 24, at 6.30 p.m.) The Minister for Co-ordination of Defence (Sir Thomas Inskip) in a speech said there would be no relaxation, but rather intensification of the Government’s rearmament programme. Britain had counted the cost and would go through with it. There was now a formidable list of Government factories of all sorts, built or building, and designed on a scale commensurate with the rearmament programme. Sir Thomas said that the Government was determined to proceed with its programme—it would not be abated nor delayed for a single moment—not for aggression, but solely for defence and so that British foreign policy might be consistent with the greatness and dignity of the country and able to play its useful part in the pacification of the world. AIR DEFENCE PRECAUTIONS PROTECTION OF CIVILIAN LIVES (British Official Wireless) RUGBY, Oct. 23. (Received Oct. 24, at 6.30 p.m.) The Home Secretary (Sir Samuel Hoare), speaking at Newcastle on air defence precautions, said it was a depressing commentary that in 1937 civilisation should be forced to defend itself with gas masks and in underground cellars, and human beings should be taught once again to become cavemen, but they had to see to it that until the world regained sanity the priceless treasure of British civilisation should not be endangered. Efforts should be concentrated on every possible defence, first, of course, on the Air Force — and the British was the best trained Air Force in the world—then searchlights, anti-aircraft guns, and, on the ground, protection by willing and numerous personnel with efficient equipment of fire brigade appliances, gas masks, and decontamination material. Thus, Sir Samuel continued, with united efforts would be built up a system ensuring the two principal objectives—the prevention of panic and the continuance of essential services. y BRITAIN’S AIR FORCE GERMAN OFFICERS IMPRESSED LONDON, Oct. 24. (Received Oct. 24, at 7.30 p.m.) “I am most impressed with the wonderful spirit of you airmen, who have the same proud spirit as the German aviators, and also with the great strides made by the aircraft industry, especially the shadow factories,” said General Milch, German Air Minister and leader of the visiting German Air Force officers, summing up the tour. “You have progressed enormously since my visit in 1936,” General Milch continued, “ and there is every indication that Britain will soon be one of the greatest air Powers, having good constructors, factories, material and mucf experience.”