SCHNEIDER TROPHY

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 1, Issue 13, 7 September 1931, Page 3

SCHNEIDER TROPHY

Press Association-

-"Post" Special Service.

BRITAIN AL.ONE FRANCE AND ITALY WITHDRAW FROM CONTEST DEFINITELY HIGH SPEED RECORD ATTEMPT

-Copyright.

By Telephone—

' RUGBY, Friday. The Royal Aero Club announces that it has been infprmed by the Air Ministry that, in response to inquiries by the British Air Attaehes at Pars and Rome, an official notification has now been received from the French and Italian Air Ministries that Franee and Italy will not be competing in the Schneider Trophy contest on September 12. During the day there had been cinsiderable uncertainty as to intentions of the French and Italians. A joint request which had been made by them for six months' postponement of the race, and which the Royal Aero Club, acting in accordance with fche rules governing the contest, had to refuse, coupled with statements issued in Rome and Paris, were taken yesterday as a clear indication that both countries were • withdrawing from the contest. To-day, both France and Italy submitted the nam.es of their pilots for the race. The definite .withdxawa! by {the other entrants means that the British team will, as arranged, fly over the course on September 12, endeavouring to improve on the speeds attained in the last race and will later make an atteippt on the world speed record established after it by Squad-ron-Leader Orlebar, who flew at 350 miles an hour. ! There appears,j;o be no doubt that this record will be beaten as the new Vickers Supermarine Rolls-Royce seaplane designed for this year's contest, and embodying great technicaf advanees, already has reached a speed of 405 xyiiles an hour in the course of practice flights.