BRITAIN’S HUGE EXPENDITURE

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13179, 11 February 1936, Page 3

BRITAIN’S HUGE EXPENDITURE

TRIPLE ALLIANCE. GER MAN Y OUTMA N OE U VR ED. United Press Assn.—By Electric T eiegraph—Copyright. BO ND ON, F ebruary 9. According to the Observer’s diplomatic correspondent Britain’s increased defences on which all departments are working ayt full pressure are expected to necessitate an expenditure of between £300,000,000 and £400,000,000. Britain’s policy is based on the fact that Japan and Germany, on whom the* world’s peace obviously depends in the near future, are non-heaguers which defeats the Covenant’s aim o.f collective guarantee. Consequently until the League is again fully representative it cannot be regarded as a substitute for the old type of national defence. The Weekly Dispatch says the defence plans will probably include the removal of Woolwich Arsenal and other factories convertible to war pur, poses to districts less open to aerial attack, while a separate department will organise the supply of munitions. It is possible moreover that one of the first steps will be increasing the naval personnel, three-quarters of whom are now abroad and the number of men in homo ports less than at any previous period. The Observer’s Paris correspondent says M. Flandin reported to Cabinet on ,the week’s diplomatic conversations about which there is optimism owing to the indication of 1 the general realisation of the German danger which Britain also appreciates as is proved by the improvement in Anglo-Russian feeling. Lt is believed Rumania and Yugoslavia confirmed their determination to coperate with Britain and France and the League. Bulgaria and Turkey are also expected to join in. Nevertheless Austria's independence is the keynote to the situation concerning which the ratification of the Soviet Pact is important as it may ensure Russian assistance to Austria through the Deague. Meanwhile the reports of the increase ill British defences are genera Ily welcomed. A Berlin message says France’s expected ratification of the Soviet Pact is regarded as a heavy blow to German foreign policy, spelling the failure of Hitler's superhuman efforts to preveivt the western Powers’ rapprochement with Russia. The German Government has already prepared an official protest to hurl nt the Locarno Powers the dav L ranee ratifies the pact which Germany holds to o be directly contradictory to the spirit and letter o-f Locarno. The meeting of Kings and diplomats ln Paris has deeply angered Germany while the depression f reated when .M. Litvinoff was warm- \ received in London is increased by his reception in Paris. EXTREME GRAVITY OF S ! Tl'A IT OX. BRITAIN’ AWAKE TO POSITION’. LONDON’, Febi uarv 8. Jbe Daily Telegraph's diplomatic correspondent states that owing to recent international developments the Government has decided to speed up British rearmament so as to enab.e the major part of the propromme to he completed hv 1939 necessitating a capital outlay ' of £300,000,000. Ml- Anthony Eden, since his assumption of full responsibility for foreign policy, has been profoundly impressed by the grave deterioration of the international situation, and IS now convinced that European leac-e cannot long be preserved uness .Britain is placed in the most powerful position of defence as soon as possible. Japan’s policy is beiim watched equally as carefully as the huge growth in German armaments. Moreover. Britain is paying attention ro the belief which is persistent in l aris and Moscow that Germany aud Japan have agreed on mutual assistance and that Germany and Hungary arranged a similar pact last year and also to the possibilitv ttiat Italy, owing to her present pLght, may arrive art an understanding with Germany. Reports persist that Signor Milssoli m is organising several new classes of recruits with a view to their use in Europe and that Marshal Badoglio is being recalled to carry out arrangements. r ran: e has asked Italy whether I imitation of an oil embargo to a. peace time quota would regariled as a military sanction, and^Britain has asked Signor Grandi to Point out to the Fascist Grand ( ouneil that such a sanation should not be regarded as a hostile act. GER MA NY’ S C OI A )SS A D EXPENDITURE, LONDON, February 9. Ihe News-Chronicle's Berlin correspondent says Germany’s colossal armaments programme is swallowing up so much money that the imposition of a capital levy to he devoted to the financial demands of the armed services is now being seriously considered. A Berlin message states that butter is scarcer than ever, and ration cards have reappeared. Eggs are equally scarce.