AIR RAID DEFENCE

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20726, 9 February 1939, Page 10

AIR RAID DEFENCE

BRITISH LEAGUE FORMED MINISTER’S FELICITATIONS REARMAMENT ACCELERATED (United Press Assn.— Elec. Tel. Copyright LONDON, Feb. 7 An Air Raid Defence League has been formed to take a position in relation to air raid defence similar to that of the Navy League and the Air League in their respective spheres. The proposed league is quite independent of Government departments and other official organisations concerned w.th the preparation of measures for ivil defence. The Minister for National Defence, -ir John Anderson, has extended his •cod wishes for the success of the roject. The Air Minister, Sir Kingsley A'ood, said in a speech that the nenace of an air raid was one of the aain causes of uncertainty and anxiety a the world to-day. Navies were not d--solete, and the role of armies renamed. Financial strength to continue the ntest and the courage and determination of a people must be reckoned in the sum total of a nation's capacity . win through. "But to-day the seas are bridged i. the air and the continent of the lie is one," said Sir Kingsley. "It is or these reasons we are making great •fforts and spending vast sums of noney on our air defence, as well as :i the belief that the best means of preventing war is that Britain shall if strong, not only for defence, but in the peace councils of the nations." A Balanced Air Force Britain's air rearmament was proceeding at a greatly accelerated rate, and he emphasised that Britain was building up a balanced air force. There were no foundations for the suggestion that she was falling back on a purely defensive strategy In the air. Counter-offensive remained, and must remain, an essential component of air defence. The Minister said he did not subscribe to the assertion that there was no defence against the bomber, but an offensive, to be successful, must start from a secure base. » The efforts in connection with defence did not mean that the Government believed in the inevitability of war or that such efforts were inconsistent with the efforts which Mr Chamberlain and the Government were making to bring about a better understanding among - the nations.