BRITAIN’S DEFENCE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 246, 17 October 1936, Page 10

BRITAIN’S DEFENCE

PRESERVATION OF PEACE SPEECHES BY MINISTERS [ British Official Wireless ] RUGBY, Oct. 15. Britain’s need for strong defences to preserve peace and protect her freedom was emphasised in speeches by three Cabinet Ministers —Mr. Eden at Sheffield (already reported), Mr. Duff Cooper, and Sir T. Inskip. The War Minister (Mr Duff Cooper) said that it had been decided to make Britain as strong as. if not stronger, than ever before. The blessings the British people enjoyed could not be maintained unless they were prepared to defend them. Sir T. Inskip, at Watford, said that 10,000 officers and men were needed before the anti-aircraft defence unit for the southern area was adequately manned. A similar conversion of territorial battalions and formations was being undertaken for the protection of the Midlands and Northern England. They would be equipped with the latest and most powerful searchlights and anti-aircraft guns. Mr. Winston Churchill also spoke on the defence question. The British Navy, he said, was in a high state of efficiency and was capable of coping with any European menace. He wished that he could feel the same sense of security about the Air Force. He would like also to see Britain’s small army and territorial force organised to a far higher pitch than at present contemplated.