HONG KONG DAILY PRESS. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 1936.
BRITISH DEFENCE PLANS REVEALED IN NINETEEN PAGE DOCUMENT
No Alternative But To Review
4
Our Defences
Comprehensive Scheme For Strengthening
The Three Services
London, March 3.
The White Paper on Defence issued this morning contains nineteen pages. dealing with the historical position and says that in recent years successive Govern ments have deliberately taken the course of postponing defence expenditure in order to give the best possible opportunity for development of a new international order in which such expenditure might be avoided.
action of
"We really have to alternative in the present state of the world but re- view our defences and provide the necessary means both for safeguarding ourselves against aggression and playing our part in the enforcement by common international obligations." The Government therefore have. made a prolonged and exhaustive examination of the present state of the Navy, Army and Air Force and the proposals they now make represent nothing more than what are found essential. in the present circumstances.
Pointing out that the forces of other great nations can without risk be con- centrated in limited areas near their own shores, the document says our worldwide responsibilities render this impossible. The history of the Italo-Abyssinian dispute and our action in regard thereto illustrates how claims upon our defensive strength nay arise at short notice in various parts of the world. These claims can only be.. discharged if we made adequate provision to meet them, and the scale whereupon such provision is made must be considered in relation to continued increase in ar- maments in many foreign countries."
ITALIAN THREATS DIRECTED
Dealing with the Abyssinian; but regarding the detalls there is dispute, the document relates that still a great deal of secrecy. throughout last summer Britain The document recalls that last intimated to Italy frequently her March the German government anxiety over the course she was annoured conscription, based on seemagly pursuing and in con- ong year's service and establish- junction with other members of ment of a peace time army of the League Britain spared no 55,000 mea. Chancellor Hitler told effort to prevent the final breach. | Sir John Simon that Germany was In the meantime 'circumstances alming at air parity with Britain, been con- were developing, which compelled Since then there has
tinuous development of the Ger- Britain to take precautionary ac-
the ilon 111
Mediterranean and man Air Force. Red Sea.
The fundament difference be- tween the League and Icaly, com- bined with the possibility of League action, led during July and August to a campaign of violers menacing propaganda In Italy. largely directed against Britain 25 one of the foremost upholders of the Covenant.
SAFEGUARD MEASURES # The point was reached in Augus: when Britain coud no longer dis- regard the possibility of
an in cident which might precipitate an extension of the conflict.
was
'The Government felt the best way to prevent an incident was to guard against it, more particu- larly in view of the extent to which: The Italian garrison a L'bya
being reinforced. Therefore it was decided to Strengthen and "redispose the naval forces, increase defences, garrisons and air forces at Gibraltar, Malta and Aden, besides Egypt from August 22
The situation was daily watched by a standing sub-committer.. the Committee. of Imperial De- fence under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister.
AT BRITAIN
The growing importance of the Fleet Air Arm necessitates con- siderable expansion.
Compared with other navies such as Japan and the United States, the number of first line aircraft is considerably lower than it should be and it is intend ed to bring it to substantially higher figures in the next few years, necessitating a correspond-" ing xrease in personnel. „
It will be necessary also to in- As regards the Anglo-German creasc naval personnel to man naval treaty, the document re-
the new vessels and repair exist marks that the new German Navy.ing deficiencies by March 31, 1937. even within this limitation, is an The number is expected to rise by
world armaments
31.000 men.
addition to which cannot be left out of ac-
count,
OTHER POWERS
ARMY STRENGTH The present peace time strength or the regular field Army is about 115,000 men. Compared to the 1914 It has been reduced by
France reintroduced two years' service in the spring of 1935. Her army. Air Force was undergoing Im-twenty-one battalions of infantry
and reorganisation portant
re- despite the increasing peace com- equipment. The barrier in themitments.
Owing to the reduction of in- north-eastem fortresses are being extended to cover also the north-fantry Britains unable to main- ern departments.
tain the balance of Home and for elgn service battalions. The re- sult is hardship to units who hate given additional foreign service and injury to both recruiting and efficiency.
The Beglan Army expenditure shows a heavy increase in the castern frontier fortresses which are being rapidly strengthened
and modernised.
B
war
The Italian Army is on footing and the Air Force is being rapidly and completely re-equipped, and enlarged.
The
Army numbers 1.300,000. The Air Force is being Increased.
Soviet
The Government propose to raise four new Infantry battalions. It is not intended to make a further increase in fighting units, but it 18. urgently necessary that existing formations be organised in a very effective form and equipped with the Re-equipment of the Japanese
mast modern armament continues in accordance material together with adequate reserves and ammunition stores. Plans have been worked out for this purpose and particular atten- tion is being given to`neld artillery which will be thoroughly mo- dernised.
Army with a comprehensive programme. In 1935-38 the Army and Navy accounted for 16 per cent. of the budget, of whkh the deficit was £45,000,000.
Although the Government war able to make dispositions which
The United States defence cx- the situation required, they were
the decline of penditure increased £108,000,000, embarrassed by
to £180,000,000 excluding pensions, effective strength of armaments by sea, air and land and it was
BRITISH NAVY NEEDS only possible to safeguard the position in the Mediterranean and
Red Sea by denuding other areas to an extent which might have Involved grave risks...
preservirig вел
ARMING OF OTHERS Referring to the rising level of armaments in other countries, the document remarks it is true the increase of armed strength of the other nations who will co-
The London Naval Treaty pro- operate for collective security may Increase the League's power, but hibits building of new battleships the increase of armed strength till the end of 1939. may also prove added power in t Two new capital ships will be laid the hands of a possible aggressor. down early in 1937 and modernisa- In any event collective security tion of existing battleships will be can hardly be maintained unless continued.
..
SAVED FROM
SCRAPPING
H.M.S. Hawkins And Sister Ships
London, Mar. 3.
There is reason to believe as a result of the Naval Conference dis- cusstons that the cruiser Hawkins, late Admiral Leveson's flagship in China in 1932-23, arid three sister cruisers will be saved from the scrapheap to which they are doomed by the London Treaty at the end of the year. Their 7.5- inch guns will be replaced by 6-inch guns to satisfy the terms o the Treaty.
The worn out ships of the Cale- don and Ceres classes will be scrapped instead.
Naval circles were long agitating
to save
the Hawkins and sister
vessels.
Yeuler:
14
FRANCE AND
GERMANY
Strong Appeal For Friendship
it
("Hong Kong. Dally Press" Special)
Paris, Mar. 3.
French
A pasalonate appeal to solve the problem of Franco-German rela- ons by direct negotiations be tween the responsible statesmen and Chancellor Hitler was made by M. Henri Pichot, President of the "Union Federale," the largest left wing War Veterans Association, in the newspaper "L'Oeuvre" on Tuesday.
new pro-Hitler as
"Franco-German reconciliation has always been desirable, but after the unfortunate effect the Franco- Soviet pact had on German public. opinion, it has become an urgent necessity," states Pichot, declaring that the time for the exchange of diplomatic documents is now past, and the French statesmen should get into personal contact with the Territorials, the
they did with Stalin, gramme will increase first line since there is no reason to apply strength of the Air Force 10 a diferent standard in the two Britain 10 about 1,750 aircraft cages. exclusive of the Fleet Air Arm
"It is neither opportune, reason- Augmentation of offensive, and able nor honourable to pass over defensive power resulting from the Germany's offer of reconciliation revised plans is greatly in excess in silence," M. Pichot continues, of the numerical increase.
pointing out that a reply to Hitler's The Air Force has responsibili-offer was only in the interests of ties in the general scheme of Im- France. perial Defence. The Government propose to increase approximately twelve squadrons in order to locate air units at convenlent places on strategic air routes.
Particular attention has been given to provision of adequate re- serves of men and material at the shortest possible time.
Meantime the passive side of air defence has not been neglected. The plans which have been pre- "pared over a number of years are now approaching a stage when they can be put into, operation.
CONSTANT WATCH | The document emphasises that plans for improvement of
the three services must be regarded as flexible, subject to variation of time.
The whole field will have to be kept under constant review. The rew conditions whether arising
from changed dispositions of other nations or developments in design or invention must be met by cor-
PEACE IN ETHIOPIAN
CONFLICT
Italian Reserve Towards Geneva Decision
T
("Hong Kong Dally Press" Special)
Rome, March 3. Italian military aircies maintain a very reserved attitude to wards the Committee of E.ghteen's surprising decision to initiate a new attempt at conciliation in the Abyssinian conflict. In view of the recent Italian successes in the war, it is pointed out that Italy at any rate has no interest in making peace proposals. Should those proposals, however, be made by a third party, Italy might consider accepting them, providing they took Italy's de- mands into full consideration, demands which were now of course far in excess of those made a few months ago.
As, it is pointed out. Italy was not particulary interested in raising this question, no intimation was given as to the extent of these demands. It was stated that the Italian General Staff had already made all arrangements for carrying on the advance dur- Ing the coming rainy period.
Further developments in the present d'enssions at Geneva are awaited, with the greatest interest, and it is reaffirmed that any increase in the severity of the sanctions would force Italy to take "corresponding measures" to deal with the new situation. While the Sanctions Committee was received in London yesterday are continuing their deliberations and transmitted to Mr. Anthony at Geneva, the Italian Cabinet *den at Geneva, states Mr. Ward Council assembled од Tuesday Price in the "Dally' Man" torencon with Signor Mussolin! It indicates that the Emperor is presiding for the session, in the prepared to discuss peace, terms on course of which, the situation the basis of the 'status quo', name- created by the Committee's newly. Italy retaining the portions of move for reconciliation will be Abyssinia she has occupied. pro- thoroughly discussed.
vided that the King of England will act as intermediary between Italy and Abyssinia.
It is expected that Signor Mus- solidi will reply to the overture.to- day..
Despite the universal surprise caused by M. Flandin's new peace offer. generai interest here is stili centred on events in East Africa, there being little doubt that Mar-
"The day of reconciliation by direct negotiations has now come, The first round in the fight towards this end has already been won. The question of frontiers no long-shai Badoglio's latest victory. er exists, French statesmen whose which seems to have led to e authority is unaffected should be complete annihiation of two Abys deputised for purleys with Hitler." sinfan arines, has immensely Transocean Newx Service.
sirengthened Italy's self-confidence .and hopes for a Anal victory as well as for the conquest of the entire Abyssinian Empire. ceive consideration. Government.
LEAGUE RELATIONS factories will be chiefly responsible While Italian for output of explosives, propellants take the view that the recent vic- political circles filing shells, cartridges, manufactories considerably enhance Italy's ture of fuses, bombs, mines" and position in any negotiations to torpedoes.
I come, they are also aware that the The normal Government con-miitary succe.ses do not Improve tractors will supply warships, air- the prospects of agreement with craft, artillery, machine guns, the League of Nations! tanks lorries," and stories of every
While
Some observe that M. description.
Flandin's new attempt at recoricf- lation may possibly lead to some FIRMS TO ASSIST
tangible results, Mr. Eden's pro- During the investigation it be position, for a direct new peace ap- came apparent for purposes of the peal to the two belligerents is peace time prógramme "that the looked upon as a mere gesture, and feld wik have to be extended to not a serious attempt at reconcila other firms not normally engaged | tion.--
LEAGUE MOVE
Geneva, Mar.
responding variation of our plans. EXAMINING COMMITTER
in armaments which would assist Transocean News Service. The examination of the defence in the establishment of organisa- problem was entrusted to a sub-tion for rapid extension of produc- committee of the Committee of tion in war Ume.
of Imperial Defence consisting
Secretaries of Permanent"
the Treasury, Foreign Office chiefs and staff of the three Services. Their conclusions were submitted to the Defence Committee of the Cabinet resided by the Prime Minister at whose invitation, In view of the importance of the industrial side, Lord Weir became a the Committee, and gave active assistance in formulating recom- mendations to the Cabinet.
The document reproduces Mr. Baldwin's statement, of Stanley. February 27 for appointment of a co-ordinating Minister on Defence and strengthening the various ex- pert committees..
Arrangements will be made with
It seems almost certain that the selected firms for laying the neces-
Committee of Thirteen will make a sary plant and machinery, for a fresh appea' to the belligerents to The appeal with not given output of selected articles end the war. and sufficient orders in peace time be in the nature of an uilmatum, will be guaranteed to allow the re- but press for a prompt reply.
It
that is generally believed qu'site training in production..
Geneva will propose an armistice, making reservation that any ne-
should
conducted gotiation
* Geneva Reuter,
member of
Dealing with shortage of skilled labour which is already noticeable, the document says it wil be for the industries concerned with such guidance as Government can give to ensure that vital processes äre not delayed for want of necessary craftsmen.
be
ETHIOPIAN OVERTURE
Peter
LONDON DENIAL
London, Mar. 3. The report that peace message from the Emperor of Abyssinia has been received In London and was transmitted to Gepeva is officially. denied in London Heuter.
FINAL ATTEMPT
Rome, March 2. The decision to call meeting or the Committee of Thirteen 'nt Geneva for a final attempt at con- cillation, has been favourably re- ceived here. It is felt that this means that M, Pierre Flándin, the French representative, is resisting Mr. Anthony Eden's sanctionist tendencies.
The Italian ̈Cabinet wijl meet t~- morrow
A spokesman to-day emphasised that Italy will not make peace' pro- posals but will éxamine any made. provided they took into full ac- count her rights.
It is authoritatively learned that. If sanctions are stiffened Italy will- į take adequate counter measures—
Reuter.
PARIS SURPRISED
Paris, Mar, Z. Mr, Anthony Eden's blunt frank- ness at Geneva has surprised Paris. It is interpreted as a warning that Britain herself will propose oll sanctions If Italy and Ethiopia. decline to discuss peace.
The French Government will, tu-- doubtedly concur in whatever -at- - titude Britain adopts, but it is: pointed out that ofl sanctions: wik gn sorely against the grain.-- Abyssinia Reuter
London. Mar. 3. There is good reason to belleve that a most important message
WATCH ON FROFTTEERS Government is determined that from the Emperor of the nation's needs will not serve to pile up extravagant profits They have already received satisfactory everything possible to encourage Dealing with the need for ensur- assurances from, the Federation of recruiting and increase the ing the most effective use of in-British Industries of their Co- efficiency of the Territorial Army.dustrial capacity and man power operation.
The Government intends to do
The Government considera it essential to undertake the 13- mediate improvement of army housing which is unsatisfactory.
INDUSTRIAL CAPACITY
.:
In order to render the Navy but owing to demands on indus- for production of material, the Control to prevent excessive pro- capable under all circumstances of trial output it is impossible simul-document emphasises that during fits will be effectively exercised by communications taneously to recondition thewar time the Government entrust- an inspection of books, and there and maintain free passage be- Territorials.
ed special powers devoted to win-will be adequate technical costings tween the different parts of the Modernisation of coast defences
ning the war which will enable and audits on behalf of the state Empire for troops supplies, it was will be accelerated and reorganisa- them to exercise complete control and arbitration cases in dispute,« necessary to proceed
with new tion of anti-aircraft defences in of industry.
Treasury control will be main- construction at a more rapid rate Southeast England will be extend-
tained thoughout, but it will be "To-day we are living in peace than in recent years and also ed with a view to covering the im-in a period of great commercial important to see that the work make good existing deficiencies in portant industrial districts of the
and Industrial activity. What we
hot delayed though over-elabora- ammunition stores
Midlands and the North.'
tion of financial safeguards, have to do is to carry through in the limited time measures which the programme and uncertainty of Owing to necessary flexiblity in will make exceptionally heavy de-
the rate of progress, it is im- mands on
Industry and certain classes of skilled labour without possible to estimate the total cost, The original "estimates which AIR FORCE EXPANSION Impeding the course of normal
will shortly be presented to Par- trade, requiring very careful orament will be supplemented by The Air Force programme ap every member of the League 13 Britain's aim is to increase proved last year is designed to bring anisation and willing co-operation the provisions of further defence
both of leaders of industry and prepared to make a contribution, cruisers to a total of seventy of the Home strength to 123. adequate in relation to its re- which sixty will be under age and squadrons with about 1,500 first sources to the, strength of ten over age. Five cruisers will be line aircraft. This programme is whole.
included in the 1936 programme,
proceeding according to plan, "but new developments in design render REPLACEMENT PROGRAMME
PEACE TO WAR it. possible to make great additions Detailing rearmament in other A steady replacement
to the striking power of the Air
The Government is taking steps countries, the document states gramme of destroyers and
Force. The latest types of ma- | to organise industry so that it can that German rearmament was tharines is contemplated while the chines which shortly will be pro-rapidly change from commercial proceeding rapidly throughout the present rute of construction will duced show such an improvement to war production. To meet pre- year. There has been no conceal be continued in the case of sloops in speed range and carrying capa- sent requirements it will be neces- ment as regards the fact of and small craft generally.
city as greatly to increase opera-, sary to extend and duplicate the rearmament which "has been re- A new aircraft carrier of&tional effectiveness.
existing Government arms fac ferred to with satisfaction, op smaller type will be" laid downi Including the four new auxiliary tories. Both vulnerability of site statements of German pübile men," shortly.
squadrons for co-operation with and needs of special areas will re-
GERMAN REARMAMENT
the
.. pro- sub-
measures mentioned
Trade Unions. The Government document- has every confidence that these ter conditions will be fulfilled.”
2
DEFENCE PROPOSALS
APPROVED
this
A
ITALIAN LOSSES IN TEMBIEN
Rome, Mar. 3. communique from Marshal.
Eadoglio states that the Italians at Temblen are mopping up the enemy and aircraft are bombing without respite.
ABYSSINIA SILENT ON VICTORY CLAIM
Addis Ababa, Mar. 3 The Abyssinians are able to deny or confrm the big victory of the Italians, and only stated that a large scale battle is being fought. It is opined that the Italians in consequence of the meeting of them
The Italian casualties are stated to be thirty Italian officers, 450 Committee of Eighteen at Geneys. other ranks and 110 Eritreans kill might emphasise or exaggerate ed and wounded and loss of two important victories,- Reuter's Bulletin Service. aeroplanes.
Reuter's Bulletin Service.
ANGLO-SOVIET NAVÁL AGREEMENT
London, Mar. 2 Great Britain will shortly,ap- proach the Soviet with the sugges- tion of negotiations for an Anglo- Soviet qualitative naval pact
An undertaking in this matter has been given to Germany, which has formally agreed to negotiate
the naval conference in London. and does not anticipate any Boviet objection to a treaty, as suggested:. Reuter
GERMAN ASSENT
London, Mar. 2. In conveying Germany's willing- ness to negotiate an Anglo-German qualitative naval treaty, a Ger- many diplomatie spokesman zo- cuested that a similar arrange-
a similar Anglo-Cerman treaty,ment be made with RusMÍN London, Mar. 2. bat expressed unwillingness to the The Cabinet this evening gave } the hands of the Government un- final approval to the defence less one limit is placed upon White Paper, long-awaited by the Buviet naval construction. people of Great Britain.-
Britain has kept the Soviet Reuter,
Government informed throughout
British is agreeable thereto, and is expected to approach the Bortes, shortly with a view, to the cod- clusion of an Anglo-Boviet zaval: agreement.
Bessbere. Bulletin Service.