CIVIL FLYING.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 March 1921, Page 5

CIVIL FLYING.

BRITAIN BACKWARD. FUTURE WAR IN THE AIR. f VALUE OF EMPIRE SERVICES. <5 By Telegraph.—-Press Assn.—-Copyright. Received March 15, 5.5 p.m. London, March 14. General Sir Frederick Sykes (Director of Civilian Flying), addressing the Institute of Transport, said no British civilian air service had been established, though France was extending hers and Germany had made a start, notwithstanding the restrictions imposed by the Peace Treaty. Referring to naval prospects, General Sykes said there was every indication that a torpedo attack by aircraft may reach a point where the existence of giant capital ships would be jeopardized. In fact, the whole question of capital ships was under consideration. At the outbreak of a future war we piay expect to see huge day and night bombers penetrating the enemy’s country, seeking to obtain supremacy of the air. There were vast fields for the expansion of aircraft in the British Empire. The great distances in Australia, Africa, and iCanada were very suitable for air transport, which may prove more economical than the construction of railways. From the standpoint of Imperial! inter-communications, commerce and strategical security, it was extremely important that civil aviation should be encouraged throughout the Empire. The Dominions and the colonies are faced by many problems and an Imperial scheme on a large scale is beyond the Empire’s resources, but if enterprfses were commenced as practical undertakings on a small scale in each self-governing Dominion *or colony they should be able to be co-ordin-ated on an Imperial basis by linking .up with the nearest portions of the Empire. Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.