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Aviation History
1916
1916 - 0455.PDF
JCNI i. «9i6- Second Military Member of the Board, added strength has been given to the body, and in the selection of both the permanent secretary, Sir Paul Hervey, and the under secretary, Commander Groves, the Board are to be con gratulated. The latter's experience and sound knowledge of air work should prove a highly valuable asset in the deliberations of the Board. That there will be little time for leisure is evident from a mere summary of the more im mediate considerations which they have set themselves to tackle, as set forth in Lord Curzon's statement in the House of Lords. The broad programme will embody dealing with the position with regard to men and machines at the front and in the various theatres of war; organisation of long-range offensive operations; defence of this country by aircraft and guns; use and development of lighter- than-air craft; supply of the best types of aeroplanes and engines to both Services; armament of aircraft; a national aircraft factory; new inventions; provision of flying grounds; training facilities, &c, with yet wider problems looming up behind. We offer our best wishes for the smooth working of the new body, and without looking for miracles in the form of sudden changes, we have confidence that a considerable step forward has been made towards that much-desired perfection which each individual member of the Board, as well as all having the present and future welfare of aviation at heart, are so much concerned to see brought about. * • • Th Without in any way attempting to pre- Air Inquiry, judge the report of the Air Inquiry Com mittee, we are not very surprised to see the manner in which many of the sweeping assertions The First Meeting ol the New Air board at Carlton Mouse Terrace.—Sir Paul Hervey, K.C.M.G., Permanent Secre tary (on left), and Commander Groves, Under Secretary. The First Meeting oi the New Kit Board at Carlton House Terrace.—General Sir David Henderson, Director-General of Aeronautics, tst Military member. which have had such a long innings all to themselves have largely melted into thin air when brought under the searching light of strict investigation and proof. It is the same old story again of spoiling a reallygood caseby excess of zeal and ill-advised over-stating. Even allowing for all exaggerations and loose expressions, nevertheless we are glad to see that Mr. Pemberton Billing has, as was suggested he should in last week's " FIK;HT," wisely announced his decision to give evidence before the Committee. We can only express the further pious hope that upon this occasion he will put his case forward with courteous deliberation, even if he has to miss the making of dramatic situations. We feel confident that should he be able to justify upon real grounds one tithe of the charges he has launched against the maladminis tration of the Services, he will not only have the sympathy of the public but also the sincerest thanks of every man sitting on the Committee. It will perhaps be dim- cult for outsiders to judge too critically, as it is evident much must be heard in camera under present conditions. On the whole, however, it may be accepted that this narrowing down of publicity will be as little resorted to as is possible, and whilst we may look forward to a fair weighing of the evidence and of a just report, whatever form this latter takes, the shaking up generally which the proceedings have brought about will have a salutary effect in any direction where previously there has been an inclination to slackness or inefficiency. For this result of past agitation there is much to be thankful for, including the new Air Board with its extended scope and powers. 455
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