The Wanganui Chronicle THURSDAY, JULY 13, 1933. POLICE AERIAL BOMBING

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 163, 13 July 1933, Page 4

The Wanganui Chronicle THURSDAY, JULY 13, 1933. POLICE AERIAL BOMBING

THE determined stand of the British Government on the question of aerial police bombing, has been seized on by those countries who desire to secure advantages peculiar to themselves at the Disarmament Conference. Superficially the British position on this subject appears to be contradictory, for while the policy sponsored by the British is the limitation of arms of aggression, the aeroplane, which is the most aggressive of modern instruments of war, is sought to be retained for what is termed police bombing.

The reason for this retention is, of course, to be found in the fact that the policing of the North-west Frontier of India is one of Britain’s jobs. The turbulent tribes of the Khyber hills have a very keen appreciation of the sights of a rifle, and they are expert judges of distance. These gentlemen consider sitting behind a rock and taking a shot at some unsuspecting traveller, to be quite a legitimate diversion to be indulged in at will in order to avoid being overcome by ennui. The country of the Afghan hills is all in favour of the hillman in hiding, and unless some means are used to bring tribal responsibility into play, the use of matches in a powder magazine is the best illustration of conditions on that frontier. One playful murder indulged in in order to break the monotony of a sunny morning may set the whole border ablaze. The North-west Frontier administration, by a system of money payments to tribal chiefs, puts a premium on the maintenance of law and order. But when this method breaks down the tribal passions are inflamed, and neither money nor reason are of any avail. Force then is the only alternative. Military operations are, expensive, and casualties heavy for an attacking force. Aerial operations are economical, effective, and involve the attackers in a minimum of casualties. A condition of relative peace has prevailed on the North-west Frontier of India since the introduction of the air arm to that field of operations, and in view of this it ean be said that the results have justified the means employed. Those who are seriously opposed to the continuance of the use of bombing ’planes for police work on the North-western Frontier of India are under the obligation of pointing to a better method for preserving respect for the law, and some semblance of order in that turbulent region.