SCHNEIDER CUP

Hokitika Guardian, 3 February 1931, Page 3

SCHNEIDER CUP

tUiuUMi Press Association.—by Eleetru Telograp h—Copy rigJ a;.

LONDON, January 31

Lady Houston’s ardour to retain the Schneider (hip is illustrated in lici message to Sir Phillip ,Sassoon : “J l>eg you to set things going instantly to tackle (lie right person, and to give the necessary orders without a moment’s delay. Do it this morning, and send the International Air Federation to the devil. Yours impatiently, Lucy Houston.”

Interviewed in Jersey, regarding her offer, Lady Houston said: “When the Socialist Government gave the faulty excuse that they couldn’t afford the expense of England’s airmen to participate in the Schneider race, my blood boiled with indignation, for I know that every true Britain would sooner sell his last shirt than admit England is unable to afford to defend herself against all comers. I inherit the spirit of my forefathers, who considered that an Englishman was equal to three foreigners. This Government is trying to instill the poisonous doctrine that we are a third-rate Power, and is doing its best to make us so. I am utterly weary of tbe ‘lie down and kick mo’ attitude, of the Socialist Government. Tt appears positively painful, to them to contemplate any victory by their countrymen, either in r oort or in war, I want to see England always on top. We are not going to take a hack seat. Wo are not worms, to be, trampled under the heel of Socialism, but true Britons with a heart for any feat except the slavery of Socialism.

ITALIAN SATISFACTI <>N. ROME, January 3T. The British decision to compete in the Schneider Cup is welcome. Aviation correspondents state that British engineers expect t° produce a machine capable of 300 miles hourly. Italian constructors are confident of surpassing 373 miles per hour. High-speed training for the selection of tbe Schneider Cu,p team has begun at Lake Garda.