The Guardian (Ami Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Const Times.) WEDNESDAY, MAY 16th, 1923. BRITAINS’S AIR POWER.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 May 1923, Page 2

The Guardian (Ami Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Const Times.) WEDNESDAY, MAY 16th, 1923. BRITAINS’S AIR POWER.

Some startling information as to the present strength, of the British Air Force was imparted to the House of Comnioris by t.bo Secretary of State for Air (Lieut.-Col. Sir Samuel Hoare) in the introduction of tho Air Estimates. When we find a responsible Minister stating that he is conscious of a general feeling of anxiety as to the adequacy of the British defence it is clear that- things are not as they should lie. To-day the Air Force consists of 371 first-line aeroplanes, excluding reserve and training machines, while Franco possesses 1,260. Further, of the thirtyfour service squadrons, eighteen aro in Egypt, the Mediterranean and the Near East, six in India, four are allocated to naval work at home, and one to army work at home, leaving only five, service squadrons in Great Britain for home defence. Of these five squadrons only one is a fighter and four are bombers. France, on the other hand, has three-quarters cf her machines at home, made up of thirty-two fighting and thirty-two bombing squadrons. As to the future it is expected that in 1925 France will have 2,180 service machines, while we shall possess only 575, including the fifteen additional regular squadrons which are asked for in the Estimates. There is, of course, n great dissimilarity between tho French position and that- of Great Britain. Franee has a conscript army and a consequent need for more army air units than Britain has, while her long land frontier is a constant source of anxiety. It cannot be denied, howover, that Britain is cutting things very fine. To reach a one-Power standard in the air, Britain should ultimately require £35,000,000 net each year, which would bring the total defence estimates to over £145,000,000. This is a large figure, and one which advocates of economy will view with alarm, but tliero is »wh a thing

‘ false economy,” and to imperil the safety of the Empire for the sake of a lew millions is an action which cannot be contemplated for a moment. The cutting down of defence estimates is spectacular, but dangerous. Many millions could still undoubtedly be saved in tue administrative side of Government departments. It is recognised on all sides that air power will be the deciding factor in future wars, and in this connection the report of the Committee of Imperial Defence, who are to inquire into the whole question of Empire defence, will eagerly be awaited.