BRITISH AIR FORCE.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20365, 24 July 1934, Page 7

BRITISH AIR FORCE.

Motion Opposing Increase in Strength Moved. “DANGER TO WORLD PEACE.” British Official Wireless. (Received Julv 24. 2.45 p.m.) LONDON, Julv 23. In the House of Lords, Lord- Ponsonby moved Labour’s motion of censure condemning the increase in armaments before the termination of the Disarmament Conference on the ground that it did not give the country security, was bound to lead to an armament competition and endanger world peace. lie cited Mr Baldwin’s recent admission that no power on earth could prevent Britain from being bombed, as a bomber would always get through. The announcement of a sensational increase in the Air Force, which woul din nowise give security was “ wanton mutilation of the League’s authority at a critical moment.” As the announcement immediately followed M. Rarthou’s visit, it made one wonder if a hidden obligation had been undertaken of which the country was ignorant.

Lord Londonderry said the Government had by no means abandoned hope of ultimatelv reaching the disarmament convention, but. having regard to their present weakness in the air and the widespread concern it aroused, the Government concluded that, in the light ! of developments abroad it could delay r.o longer. In the matter of defence services generally, and the Royal Air Force in particular, the Government had preached and practised a degree of restraint which had placed Britain to-day in what amounted to a position of unilateral disarmament. At the end of the late war the strongest air P° w er, Britain had now ranked fifth for some years in terms of first line strength. No responsible Government could allow the Air Force to remain in a position of such inferiority. Lord Ponsonby’s motion was defeated by 54 votes to 9. Government’s Proposals. British Official Wireless. (Received Julv 24. 12.30 p m ) RUGBY. Julv 23 The Government's proposals to increase the Royal Air Force by fortyone squadrons in the next five years will be debated in both Houses before Parliament adjourns for the summer | recess at the end of the month. In the i House of Commons a vote of censure will be moved by the Labour Party, and in the House of Lords a motion similar in its terms will also be moved on their behalf by Lord Ponsonby.