New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-03-11
Pemberton-Billing Elected
on up with London
Lights" Slogan.
AERO MINISTER
BRITAIN'S PROBLEM
Many Prominent Men Mentioned
TO Direct Nations Sky Fleet
and Strategy.
By GORDON BRUCE.
Pc Cahfe 10 Ths II sunr

London. March l0.-Noel Pembe rton-
Billing. known throughout England as
tho air candidate for Parliament,
vas chosen yesterday member for East
Her.s By 2 majority OF 1881. defeat
Mr.. Henderson. the coalition candidate.
This IL the first time in history that
anv member Of Parliament has been
elected az a direct result OF his views
on air service.
Nr. Pemberton-Bllin recently stood
for selection az Mile End and lost by
a very small margin. Al that time he
asserted that he would keep on trying
and would seek the next vacant seat.
HIS political motto is up with the
lights Of London" and his object is 20
get his scheme Of defence against Yep
pelrs bcfore the government.
The new member IS one Of the best
aviators in England He has seen much
active service since the outbreak Of the
war. lie knows all the ramiiications
Of the aerial situation from the begin
ming and also has a wide acquaintance
with every body connected with T.
II is believed that his presentation
Of the air defence case from the view
point OF the practical airmen whom he
voices will cause sensations IN the
House OF Commons.
Need of Air Minister
Britain's air defence problem re-
Gently has frequently suggested some
such newspaper advertisement ss the
, following:
an experienced Zepp fighter and thor
oughly familiar with guns. battleepIanes
and seaplanes. Apply. az once, Houses
OF Parliament. Westminster
Lord NorthcliFe, Lord Curzon. Lord
Svdenham. Lord Derby and Colonel
Winston Churchill have been suggested
a. likely candidates for the position.
Nobody has risen 10 deny that any one
Of them would be satisfactory. The
trouble doesn't lie in getting an All
Minister, but in what he is 20 do.
The men Of the flying services are
practically unanimous in agreeing that
one source Of control would be desira-
bic. But they fear ignorance OF aero
nautics and personal prejudices IN
political chief. They argue that the IN
cumbent should know both military and
naval air strategy. But there has been
no suggestion. so far, as 10 Just what
the duties Of the minister would be
No plan of action has been advanced.
This is probably the reason the scheme
has not taken more tangible form.
Are we 20 have the two existing
services split into one or are We 20
fave a third service TO defend the coun 70
Try against Zeppelin attacks as ked a
Young Irish aviation officer recently.
Recent debates in the House Of Com
mons on the subject have been inter
estng but not particularly instructive.
British Airman's Ideas.
The most comprehensive plan have
heard yet was outlined by one OF the
best pilot officers in England.
ut seems 10 me-" this man said re
Gently. that If the entire service were
placed In the hands Of one man his
first business would be 20 pick the men
most proficient IN each branch OF the
work. engineering. Aging and eNecu-
tive.
Al least Two mon should be pickle j
from the naval aerial service and as
many from the military branch. Their,
after comforting with these men. the
Air Minister should ascertain whether
the navy and army have the machines
they have been credited with. and
whether these machines are capable OF
coming with those of the enemy.
ssTf ra haven't cot them the Air