Washington, June 12
"Europe is ahead of che Gomain of military aviation although we are leading in commercial aviation," Colonel Charles Lindbergh old a House Appropriations Sub-Committee today.
The group was discussing President Roosevelt's demand for new credits of $650,000,000 for American aerial rearmament, Col. Lindbergh described the American aviation programme which calls for a force of 5,500 airplanes, as being "very moderate.
He stated that it would take the US. from three to five years to regain the leadership in scientific and military aviation research.
Also appearing before the Sub-Committee today was Gen. Arnold, Commander-in-Chief of the American air force, who stated that the problem of aviation in America was different from that in Europe, The United States had to concentrate her efforts on defensive aviation, he mid.
"Our policy should be to build pursuit planes that would be speedier that enemy bombers. And this is what we are now doing."
He stated that the Army had recently ordered 524 Curtis pursuits capable of 644 kilometres an hour 1403 miles per hour)
He added that American "flying fortresses" were without equal in the whole world In conclusion, General Arnold state ed that the present aviation programme of the U.S. would assure the further discussions.—Havas. centry of a powerful enough air defence arm even though some Ger. man craft might be superior to American planes.—Havas, More Funds Approved Washington, June 13.
Congress continued to give wholehearted support to President Roosevelt's $2,000,000,000 armament programme yesterday when the House of Representatives Appropriations Committee returned a favourable report or a $292,695,547 supplemental Army bill.
The bill provides funds for the purchase of 2290 additional Army tighting planes and for carrying out Col, Charles A. Lindbergh's recommendations for expanded aeronautical research facilities to keep the United States in the front in the aerial armament race.
The bill brings to almost $1,000,- 000,000 the money alloted to the Army for the coming fiscal year and will bring the Army Air Corps to a strength of 550 serviceable planes by
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.