AMERICAN ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 December 1924, Page 3

AMERICAN ITEMS.

[REUTEItS Teleotiams.] AMERICAN DEFENCE. WASH IXGTO.V, Nov. 20, Ccneral Pershing to-day ma<le his final report as Chief of .Staff and Conceal Officer of the fluted States armies. 'l'he General recommends a greatly enlarged air force, the. Jack of which is now the chief weakness of the national defence; also an increase of the regular army from 118.0110 to 1.T0.000 and the national guard from 170,000 to 200,000. The strengthening of the overseas garrisons and improved coast defence with long range railway artillery is also recommended. Other recommendations include the appointment of six .Major-Generals who served in France as permanent l.ieutCienorals, also a larger ammunition reserve supply and periodic exercises of units of the national defence* similar to the recent defence day, and more citizens training camps.

General Pershing is opposed to the establishment of a separate air force similar to the British. Mr Weeks, Secretary for War. delivered his annual report, cmlsoilying practically all General Pershing's ieconimendations.

PHOTO-RADIOGRAMS . (Received this day at 11.25 a.in.) NICIV YORK. December 1. In connection with the cabled pholnradiograms the inventors sav that with hut little refinement the process can he made available immediately for instil n toon s Trans-Atlantic transportation of news pictures, secret messages, diplomatic correspondence and of identification photographs.