MENACE OF ARMS RACE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20930, 8 January 1938, Page 11

MENACE OF ARMS RACE

RISKS OF EUROPEAN CONFLAGRATION AMERICAN CRITICISM OF HITLER REGIME Uniwd Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received January 7, 7.30 p.m.) NEW YORK, January 6. Interviewed on his retirement from the American Ambassadorship to Germany, Mr E, R. Dodd bitterly condemned the Hitler regime, with its religious persecutions and race hatreds. Mr Dodd said lie had resigned himself to despair because lie was unable to accomplish any good in face of the Nazi policies. Referring to his refusal to attend a Nuremberg rally, Mr Dodd asked: “Was it the duty of a representative of democratic countries to attend conferences at which democracy was ridiculed and attacked. I do not think so.” Mr Dodd issued a warning that another great war is threatening because of the frenzied armaments race.

BRITAIN'S AIR STRENGTH BAN OF SECRECY IMPOSED United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received January 7, 7.25 p.m.) LONDON, January 7. After the disclosures by Air Marshal Mitchell, it is understood the Air Ministry proposes to place further restrictions on public discussion on details of the strength of the Royal Air Force and equipment, says the aeronautical correspondent of “The Daily Telegraph.” It is pointed out that strict reticence is observed by all foreign Powers regarding their air strength. It is impossible to obtain from France, Germany or Italy statistics concerning accidents to their air forces. Their newspapers are not permitted to publish facts, although it is believed that casualties are numerous. It is felt that Britain, by permitting publication, is placed at a certain disadvantage. Actually the number of accidents during training and normal flying have not increased proportionately to the greater amount of flying.

An admission that Royal Air Force pilots were put in high-speed machines before they were experienced in them, and that there was a shortage of instruments for bad weather flying was made by Air Marshal Sir William Mitchell, Air Member for Personnel on the Air Council, when speaking at the Royal United Service Institution. The shortage arose, he said, from the difficulty of production to keep pace with the demand. It was hoped to show a considerable improvement in the near future.

CHILDREN OF WARLIKE POWERS

EXCHANGE OF VISITS PLANNED United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyrribt (Received Janauary 7, 7.30 p.m.) LONDON, January 7. “Exchanges of young people have been arranged between Germany and Japan, in order to deepen friendly relations,” says the Berlin correspondent of “The Daily Telegraph." “Thirty boys and girls from Japan are going to Germany next spring. They will be accompanied on their return trip by thirty young Germans.” PLANNING CLOSER UNITY

HINT OF DR VAN ZEELAND’S PLANS United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright » (Received January 8, 12.10 am.) LONDON, January 7. An attempt to bring Great Britain, the United States, France, Germany and Italy into closer economic and political unity is believed to be the basis of the plan Dr Van Zeeland is to discuss tyith Mr Neville Chamberlain to-day, says the diplomatic correspondent of “The Daily Mail.” It is understood that Dr Van Zeeland’s report suggests: (1) A London conference of European powers to consider economic matters, followed by a London or Washington world conference to deal with political issues, including disarmament. • DANGEROUS PROPOSALS “MAY INCREASE WAR PREPARATIONS’ United Press Association—By Electric Tel egraph —Copyright (Received January 8, 1.30 a.m.) PARIS, January 7. Dr. Van Zeeland’s report includes a vast plan for the economic development of Central Africa. According to “Pertinax” in “The Echo de Paris” the plan contemplates an international regime similar to the Congo Basin Plan of 1885. “Pertinax” considers the scheme dangerous unless accompanied by explicit political reservations. If Africa is developed according to Dr. Van Zeeland’s ideas, it will only increase the war preparations of the totalitarian states.