New-York tribune., 1919-11-06
Report Suggests Annual APP
preparation for Tcn~Ycar
Period of $3OO,OOO,OOO
to Stimulate Production
Plan Opposed by Baker
Experts Recommend Com.
mission Responsible to
President as Alternative

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5-Approval Of
the theory of consolidation of the
air services of the government under a
separate department or commission is
contained in the report Of special
army board appointed by the War De-
partment to consider pending bills to
that end. The report was transmitted
to-day to Chairman Wadsworth Of the
Senate Military Committee by Secrc-
tary Baker who disagreed with the
boards principal accommodations.
An annual budget Of $500, 900 coo for
ten years was suggested, and the re-
port added that single government
agency should be responsible for pro-
curement of all aircraft and for all de-
velopment work. 1t is emphatic in
declaring against creation of ANY
military air force Independent of army
or navy control"
The board was composed Of Major
General Menohcr director of army air
service; Major General Coe, chicf Of
coast artillery; Major General Haan,
chief of the training section. general
staff, and Major General Snow, chief
of field artillery.
Ten Year Program Advised
an aviation policy based either on a
ten year program with large annual ap-
preparations guaranteed to stimulate
commercial aeronautics, or make ap-
preparations for aircraft deve lopment
by the Postoffice, War and Navy de-
partments.
# the former policy is adopted the
board recommended that a separate de-
partment OF acronautics be created; If
the latter that a commission under the
director of aeronautics, reporting ii
coordinate the work.
The board held that the army and
navy should retain the essential ele-
ments of their organizations and
should have control over operation of
all military and nava, air forces that
might be provided. 1t Urged also, That
the army aviation service "should be
kept on an equal footing with the in
fantry, cavalry and other arms. with
permanent personnel" The board dis
approved government monopoly Of arr
craft construction.
Secretary Baker said he disagreed
with the proposals both for a separate
department and q commission, as the
President was so burdened with impor-
tant policies that he could not super
wise aeronautical development. Should
9 single agency be created he SAID. It
.hould be appointed and controlled by
board consisting of Cabinet mem
bers whose departments would be af-
fected. Mr.. Baker also disapproved the
proposal for q permanent commiSs sioned
aviation personnel.
Armament Race Forecast
"The present proposed fevcrish activ-
ity for development Of commercial
areonautics' of certain nations al
ready saddlcd with enormous debts"
the boards report declared, "under the
guse of developing new and highly
lauded system Of transportation, is as
matter of fact nothing more than a
new race for supremacy in armaments,
The hope Is expressed in the proposed
treaties tha, excessive armamcnts
might be limited 1t is not the uten-
ton of this board to deny the wisdom
of policy which will place this nation
in the front rank with regard to COM
mercal aeronautics or a proper state
of defense. 1t is thought, however, that
this question should be stripped en-
tirely of its camoufagc and that the
nation at large should be apprised of
the real situation and the terms upon
which it is to enter this contest
The report said wartime air fleets of
al countries must be produced after
war begins, requiring stimulation OF
commercial aeronautics.
"Under present conditions,' it said
"the only effective stlmUlant is govern
ment assistance in large annual appro-
prlations guaranteed for a period - q
considerable number Of years, until
commercial aeronautics can stand as q
dividend paying business"