AIR SERVICE.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXVI, Issue 18439, 24 March 1922, Page 7

AIR SERVICE.

BRITAIN’S BEST SHIELD. NO LONGER IN “SPLENDID ISOLATION.” LONDON March 21. In presenting the Air Estimates, Captain Guest welcomed the Government's decision to retain a separate and autonomous Air Ministry. After the Geddes cuts, the Air Force would consist of thirty-two squadrons, of which 19| would be used abroad. Illustrating the value of the force, he related that only last week two aeroplanes stationed at Aden flew over the Red Sea and within two days subdued a rebellious tribe which had stolen 4003 cattle. The Air Force was proving cheap and effective and becoming the handyman of the lighting services. France had over 60 air squadrons, and proposed an even larger programme. The Government could not accept the Geddes proposal for the abolition of 81} Home squadrons, which were required for co-operation with the army and navy. The estimates had been reduced by £6,500,000. and in consequence of most of the Dominions refusing to support an Empire airship service, he reluctantly began negotiations to sell the airships. He strongly favoured the maintenance of cross-Chan-nel services, which lie regarded a« a training operation for the linking up of the Empire. The Ministry intended steadily trt develop further links in the Imperial chain. Major-General Seely thought air economics had gone far enough. Field-Marshal Wilson challenged the wisdom of an independent air force, which was not supported by any soldier of eminence, who had participated in the late war. He pleaded for a more generous support of civil aviation. \ Sir A. Guineas moved an amendment providing that all defence forces he represented and co-ordinated by the Imperial Defence Committee meeting! frequently with a Minister outside the Defence Departments as. vice-chairman.

Mr Churchill said if the war had lasted a few months longer we would have seen vast operations conducted from the East Coast upon Berlin and the heart of Germany, which would have increased in magnitude, but the supply of Germans ran out. ]t must be remembered that Britain had lost her insular position on which her greatness stood. They must be sure they had the leadership of the air, and the only way of securing co-ordination of the Army. Navy and Air Force was through the Ministry of Defence, but it could not possibly bo achieved at present. Sir A. Guiness withdrew his amendment.