AIR SUPPORT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24632, 13 June 1941, Page 5

AIR SUPPORT

AUSTRALIAN TROOPS IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENT SCHEME FOR OWN PILOTS 7", . MELBOURNE, June 12. Australian soldiers in the Middle East are being heavily reinforced by protective squadrons of fighters and army co-operation aircraft flown by Australian airmen, the Minister for Air, Mr J. McEwen, announced to-day. This important development, he added, disclosed the swift march of the British and Australian Governments towards realisation of the plan for which they have been working forsome time to ensure that no Australian troops will be without adequate air protection-. Mr McEwen said that two of the new squadrons would be commanded,, by Australian pilots. Flight Lieutenants G. H. Steege and B. R. Felly. The members of the squadrons were airmen trained under the Empire air scheme ney would fly Hurricanes and the latest American fighters. Later the Australians would man bombers. The effects of the air training scheme were now being felt in the war zone, Mr McEwen added. More and more reinforcements of Australian airmen would be supplied as the output of air crews went into full swing.

A BLUNT REQUEST ADEQUATE AIR SUPPORT CABLEGRAMS TO BRITAIN (Air Mail) SYDNEY, June 8. A blunt tone has been taken by the Australian Government in cabled discussions with the British Government on the Middle East campaign. Arising out of the Greek and Crete campaigns, the Federal Government has asked for an assurance that adequate air support and mechanised equipment should be provided for all future major actions in which Australian troops might take part. The Sydney Daily Telegraph’s special correspondent in Melbourne claims that recent cablegrams to the British Government have asked why Crete was not fortified in the six months before the Nazi invasion began; and are the advisers to the British Government on Crete defences still the Government’s advisers? Another message, it is claimed, asks for q clear statement by the British Government on the extent and effectiveness of defence preparations at Cyprus, and other Mediterranean strategic points, in the path of the enemy’s eastward drive. More Direct Approach Urged

Several members of the Advisory War Council are critical of the traditional diplomatic language of the cablegrams from Australia, although the content matter suggests anything but timidity. They have urged a more direct and rugged approach. The one definite and unanimous conclusion of the council is that the A.I.F. must be given air and mechanised support. Labour members, having little confidence in assurances on this matter, are urging that the council’s viewpoint should be pressed home to the British Government in unmistakable terms. Labour War Councillors are satisfied that the Federal Government did all it could in shaping policy in the recent Middle East fighting, but they are not satisfied that the Australian case was given proper appreciation in Britain. Unity in War Council There , will be no more recriminations in. the ..War Council. As.a body the council is determined to profit by past errors made. The Leader of the Opposition, Mr J. Curtin, in a statement oh behalf of the five Labour members of the council, said: “ Our frank discussions have disclosed a concert of opinion which must produce increased strength to our effort. We have bene deliberating on matters of the most vital significance at a stage of the war which can be described only in terms of the utmost seriousness. The unity of our war effort is unmistakable; our determination is inflexible.”.

There is no cue, however, as to how political unity is progressing. It is doubtful if Labour will agree to a truce to permit Mr Menzies to return to England. They believe the Prime Minister’s right place is in Australia, whether he is Mr Menzies or anyone else. Mr Menzies, however, is hopeful of overcoming this objection, and will meet Mr Curtin on Monday, probably to put forward suggestions for a stable Government. It is generally accepted that the concessions to Labour’s platform will need to be liberal to reach an agreement.