AIR DEFENCE

Hokitika Guardian, 20 December 1933, Page 5

AIR DEFENCE

BRITISH FORCE

NEXT YEAR’S CONSTRUCTION

United Press Association —By Ele itru ' leiegrapn—Copyright.;

LONDON, December IS

The “Daily Telegraph’s” aviation correspondent says: Tile Royal Air Force estimates lor 1934 will pi ovine for four new squadrons, consisting of about sixty mammies, mostly lighters, it is expected that tile Air Minister, Lor c i Londonderry, in presenting- tne Estimates, will aiso lorcshadow an early increase in ihe auxiliary Air Force. Tlio proposed increase by only four regular squadrons m the one year •is disappointing, but the Government does not regard the situation as being serious enough to call for any gieaier increase.

EUROPEAN INCREASE DENIED.

RUGBY. December IS.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Captain Eden, Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs, said he was aware that it was not a ’fact that in most of the countries o: Europe the strength of the aircraft specifically designed lor bombing is being increased. He understood that all types of aircraft might, be. to some extent, used for bombing. It war, to meet this difficulty that articles 34 and 35 of the British Draft. Convention were designed. The proposals contained in those articles to represent the policy of the British Government. The whole problem of disarmament was vitally urgent. Every effort was being made to achieve a general agreement covering all aspects of the problem.

MR MACDONALD AND LEAGUE

RUGBY, December 18,

Mr MacDonald asked in the Commons, if he favoured the appointment of a committee to draft proposals to be submitted at Geneva tor a reform of the League of Nations, with a view to preventing further secession from the League, and promoting the acmesion of all the Great Powers, replied: “No, Sir. 1 am not in favour of such a course.”

POWERS’ NAVAL CONSTRUCTION. :X

LONDON, December 18

Continuing jn ihe preface to June’s “Fighting-Ships.” the article says; America, Japan, France and Italy are building regardless of cost. Italy claims -the fastest cruiser Colioni of 40.9 knots, and a destroyer, Demosto of 45 knots. Foreigners are building thirty powerful cruisers, many of wlijeli a re armoured, four aircraft carriers, and whole fleets of submarines and destroyers. Britain’s only impending formidable ships are two cruisers.