PROPOSED AIR PACT

Opotiki News, Volume I, Issue 105, 4 November 1938, Page 4

PROPOSED AIR PACT

GERMANY AND BRITAIN NAZI IDEAS ON PARITY LONDON, Oct. 20.—" The specific purpose of recent Berlin reports regarding an Anglo-German air pact is clearly, to test British opinion,” states the diplomatic correspondent of the Manchester Guardian. "Germany,” ho declares, "does not want .aeria l parity with Great Britain, it is even doubtful whether she would accept parity with the combined British and French air fleets. "She might accept a ratio of 100 to Jo, or, at the most, 100 to 5.0, with Britain;. • German aerial rearmament, which is now receiving a most powerful impetus" from the, acquisition of Czech aeroplane works, is being urgently speeded up, and, failing a special British and French effort, Germany, owing to Czechoslovakia’s elimination, will secure an easy command of the air.

"It is believed in London that if Britain does not accept a permanent air inferiority, Germany will cancel the Anglo-German Naval 'Agreement and attempt to challenge British soupower. Germany, it is asserted', wants colonies, in order to establish naval and aerial bases overseas, and also as a justification for the larger fleet and air force that would be needed to defend them. Her demand f.or colonies, therefore, is an organic part of Germany’s determination to become a world Power.”