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Aviation History
1935
1935 - 1046.PDF
492 FLIGHT. MAY 9, 1935. recent address to the League of Nations Union Sir Philip Sassoon, commenting on the idea of an international air force, used the words : "Though dangers shared in com mon may unite a nation, or a group of nations like those composing the British Isles, so that law and order may be preserved among them by a system of police, one can not hope for similar results among independent nations, unless a similar condition of mutual danger forces them to set aside their individual differences and combine for mutual protection." Germany's recent action goes some distance towards fulfilling the conditions laid down by Sir Philip, and the result has been a drawing together of Fascismo, two Democracies, and the Soviet. Such an un expected development must surely have some signifi cance for the cooler brains in Germany. A danger foreseen is often a danger discounted. The Romans put it more succinctly—Si vis pacem, para helium ; and this old saying still has force, although some people of tender heart and softer brain may scoff at it. If Germany had stood alone in shining armour amid an un armed world, who knows whether she might not have tried to reverse the verdict of 1914-1918? In such a case war and victory might well have been the cheapest course for her to pursue. After a speedy victory, a nation can economise on armaments and ease the strain of taxation. Moreover, many will believe that if a vic torious Germany were to stipulate for indemnities and reparations from the vanquished she would see that those indemnities and reparations were paid, as they were in 1871. With the four great nations of Europe awake and armed that prospect becomes less imminent, and we are able to take comfort from General Smuts' belief that war in Europe is not likely for the next thirty or forty years. In sober truth it is incredible that Germany alone should challenge a Europe in arms, whatever she might have felt inclined to do were she stronger than any likely combination of other Powers. Therefore, if our arming buys peace, it will have been a good investment; in fact, the cheapest course which we could pursue. The country will feel no small gratitude to the Government which has not hesitated to be bold at a time when bold ness was the most prudent course. For the details of the new scheme we must all await the coming pronouncement of the Government. Apart from its cost the increase is welcome. It will give valuable practice to the Air Ministry in organising a rapid pro duction of material and of personnel. Once production has got into full swing it takes longer to train the highly skilled pilot and the highly skilled fitter than it does to build aircraft and engines, but the work on the per sonnel is more straightforward. To expand the produc tion of the manufacturing firms at short notice will be a great test of the plans drawn up some years ago. If the plans work well and the aircraft and engines appear promptly, one considerable anxiety for the future will have been removed. ON A CRUISE : The tourist who wanders in May round the coasts of Great Britain, and particularly of Scotland, seldom fails to sight the four " Southampton " flying boats of No. 201 (F.B.) Squadron, sometimes at Oban, sometimes at Stranraer, and sometimes in the Firth of Forth. No. 201 F.B.S. is the only unit in Home waters which possesses four flying boats. The " Southamptons will soon be replaced, possibly by the Saro A.27 " London."
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