FRICTION IN THE AIR SERVICE

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 190, 1 May 1918, Page 5

FRICTION IN THE AIR SERVICE

RECENT RESIGNATIONS . LIVELY DEBATE IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS (Rec. April 30, 7.25 p.m.) London, April 29. In the House, of Commons, Mr. W. 51. R. Prinze raised the question of Sir David Henderson's (Director) and. Sii Hugh Trenchard's (Chief of Staff) resignations from tho Air 'Torce, and declared that the House should be informed of the differences that had arisen between Lord Rothermere and Sir Hugh Trenchard. Lord Hugh Cecil protested against amateur strategists in the Cabinet. Mr. Lloyd George denied that members of the Cabinet had suggested points ol strategy to Sir Hugh Trenchard. Lord Hugh .Cecil replied that Mr. Lloyd George cared only for his own retention in office. Mr. Lloyd George again denied that there had been any Cabinet interference with Sir Hugh Trenchard, and demanded (hat Lord Hugh Cecil should withdraw his offensive suggestion. Lord Hugh Cecil refused j'j withdraw, and declared that Sir Jlug'.> Trenchard was indispensable. Mr. Lloyd George, admitted. Sir Hugh Tronchard's remarkable service. He denounced members of the Houso of Commons, who, serving in tho Forces, wero using service information for the purpose of criticising (lie civil and military command. Jinny disputes would be filled but for political interference in tho House of Commons. Sir Hugh Trenchard was not at his best as Chief of Staff, but would lie given a position of considerable power in the Air Force. Sir William Weir (newly-appointed Air Minister) had concurred in this dr-cision. Mr. Asquith eaid 11c regarded Sir Hugh Trenchard's resignation as a regettablo incident, which the (iovenment should have avoided. Sir Edward Cnwon declared that Sir Ihiirh Trenchard had been driven out. Many of tho air officers had tnld him that the soul of the air service left when Sir Hugh Trenchard went. Major Baird, I'lirliainontnry Secrelary to tho Air Council, gave a reassuring statement' as to tho number and quality of our pilots, which, he was sleadily increasing. Oiir lnss«s in March equalled those in April, 1917, when we were engaged in winning the supremacy of tlio air at the Somnic Germany's sure losses were llireo and a half times as many as in April, 1917. 'Major-Gen-eral Knlmnnd 'Direelor-GniioraJ of Military soronaiilies) wns fully satisfied with Hie response <o nil his demands.—Aus.N'/'i. Cable Assn.