BRITISH REARMAMENT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 October 1938, Page 5

BRITISH REARMAMENT

SOME CiAPS IN DEFENCES REVEALED SIR T, INSKIP’S SURVEY SAFE TO TELL THE PUBLIC THE TRUTH (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, October 13. Sir Thomas Inskip, Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence, speaking at Gravesend today, referred to the gaps in the country’s defences as revealed in the recent crisis. Given skill and determination, there was no reason, he said, why they should not be repaired in as short a time as any nation co.uld accomplish such a task. As to the admission of such gaps, the British people did not want to be hoodwinked. They only required to be told to rise as one man, and complete their defences at the earliest possible moment. It was always safe to tell the British public the truth. “What we have done in rearmament,” said Sir Thomas Inskip, “has been as remarkable as the results any nation has ever shown.” The Minister did not think that any of them would hesitate for a moment between the expenditure of money and State security. Money did not count today when they had responsibilities which the whole world recognised. There was not a nation in the world which was not looking to England to know what she was going to do. A DETERMINED NATION During a speech on defence at Sheffield, Sir John Simon, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said that the Government had immediately to enter a vigorous, complete, remorseless and urgent survey of the whole position. Sir John added that no policy, however conciliatory, would achieve its purpose unless it was backed up by a determined nation. In the meantime, the German suggestion of British measures to contravene the understanding reached between Mr Chamberlain and Herr Hitler is described in official quarters in London as without foundation, yet the “Boersen Zeitung,” says the truth is that Britain is rearming in order to be able to oppose the dictators with force. DOING IT NOW SIR J. SIMON ON NATIONAL ORGANISATION. ORDERLY USE OF MAN-POWER. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day. 9.47 a.m.) RUGBY, ctober 14. Speaking at a Cutler’s feast in Sheffield, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir John Simon, said the Government had entered upon a vigorous, complete, remorseless and urgent survey of the lessons of the crisis. Referring to the orderly use of man-power, he said: — “There is a widespread realisation that organisation of man-power is a very complicated task. We must not wait for this organisation until a crisis recurs. In whatever may be the most appropriate form, we must do it now.” NEW DEFENCE UNIT ANTI-AIRCRAFT RESERVE. PROTECTION OF INDUSTRIES. (Received This Day, 9.55 a.m.) LONDON, October 14. The Secretary of State for War, Mr L. Hore-Belisha, will shortly announce the establishment of an entirely new Territorial anti-aircraft reserve, for the protection of factories and vital industries throughout Britain from law-fly-ing aircraft. Employers have been asked to supply probably a personnel of 15,000 men between the ages of 38 and 50. The War Office will train them and supply suitable light weapons. The personnel of the anti-aircraft units now totals more than 40,000, an eighty-fold increase in 2 years. In light of these facts, it is interesting to note that the “Hamburger Fremdenblatt” last night published a long exposure, by its London correspondent, of Britisn defence deficiencies during the war scare.. It says that only 'a few of the 600 anti-aircraft posts could be provided and that many were equipped with three-inch guns of a 1918 model. CONDITIONS OF SERVICE. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 9.47 a.m.) RUGBY, October 14. It has been decided to form a reserve of the Territorial Army, Royal Artillery and light anti-aircraft units, comprising officers and other ranks, for the defence of certain vital industrial establishments in the country against attack by low-flying aircraft. This reserve is to be formed and administered in peace time by the Territorial Army associations, in consultation with the establishments concerned. The per- ■ sonnel will be recruited from the employees of these establishments and will be required to undertake to serve only in defence of the undertaking with which they are employed. AIR RAID PRECAUTIONS. REVIEW OF EXPERIENCE GAINED. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 9.47 a.m.) RUGBY, October 14. A review of the experience gained in the practical application of .air raid precaution schemes throughout the t country during the recent crisis is pro- > ceeding and data is being collected ■ from local authorities and other t sources. Recommendations arising I therefrom will be submitted to Sir Samuel Hoare early next week.