MORE MONEY FOR DEFENCE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19835, 26 June 1934, Page 9

MORE MONEY FOR DEFENCE

PLAN TO STRENGTHEN THREE SERVICES

AIR FORCE REGARDED OF FIRST IMPORTANCE

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received June 25, 7.10 p.m.) LONDON, June 25. “The Daily Telegraph" says: “The Government is considering substantial increases in the three defence services. There is difficulty in deciding how the money available can best be allocated, but the necessity follows the failure of an international agreement for the limitation of armaments. Faced by this prospect, Ministers who have made an exhaustive survey of world affairs, have come to the conclusion that the weakness of Britain constitutes a temptation for a breach of the peace. The Admiralty has submitted arguments for substantial increases in cruiser and destroyer strength, also the expansion of the Fleet air arm. It will be for the Minister to make the decision. Financial considerations render it impracticable for Britain to maintain parity strength with all Powers in all arms of the service, but a conception of the British defensive vote defines the Air Force as the most valuable defensive force. The Army is required primarily for defence at home and to provide drafts for overseas garrisons, but an alternative scheme envisages expenditure on the Army almost equal to the present cost of the Navy, which is £56,000,000, compared with £39,000,000 for the Army.”