Evening star., 1925-09-21

LII his testimony De1Ore the PreSi-
dents Air Board today Acting Secre.
can people that there is mo reason
TO be panicky about the condition, of
the Army Air Service
Testify1ng as the first witness, Mr..
Davis broadly outlined the policy of
the Army air arm and pointed to the
successful world flight by Army
planes as one achievement which has
proved it's right to public conf
dence."
"The amount of equipment is made
auate," but this is controlled by
personnel although somewhat limit
ed. is unexcelled by any air service
in the world
Mr.. Davis, who first urged appoint
ment of the board. pledged the full CO.
operation of the War Department in
the inquiry. and said that If during
the investigation charges were made
against its administration he would
welcome an opportunity to reappear
and answer them.
Inquiry Welcomed.
1.-THE War Department" Mr.. Davis
said, welcomes this inquiry into the
air defenses of the country by this
board of disinterested citizens Ma
tional defense Is a sacred trust of all
the people. They have the right to
know whether appropriations are be-
ing wisely and economically expended
and whether the defenses of the coun-
try are planned, organized and
equipped in the most effective man.
ner.
"In consideration of this vitality i'm
portant subject honest differences OF
opinion naturally arise. They exist
within the War Department itself, as
you will undoubtedly hear today, and
the proper expression of honest con-
victions is to be encouraged. The
War Department impugns the motives
of no critics; 1t has the right to de-
nland the same fair dealing for itself.
1t seeks OF keep an open mind on all
debatabie questions, to adopt any con-
structive suggestions which 1t can ap-
prove, to improve the service
wherever its means will permit.
I'm carrying out its serious respon-
sibility for the national defense. 1t Is
morally bound to insist that mere as
sertions must be backed up by hard
facts. that due consideration must be
given to the costly experience of the
past in weighing speculations as to
the future, that change for the sake
of change alone is unjustifiable. we
here are all actuated by the same fun
damental motive, the patriotic desire
TO safeguard our common heritage; we
may honestly differ as to the ways
and means of accomplishment. In
such O discussion there is no place
for passion, personalities or prejudice.
In that spirit, we welcome this in
quiry.
Offers All Data.
ION behalf of the War Department,
! am glad to offer the board Of avia-
ton inquiry every assistance in our
power. l believe that the board wants
sense not sensation, facts not fancies,
arguments not mere assertions. All
studies, records and reports. whether
public, confidential or secret, are at
your disposal. officers, enlisted men
and employees Will appear before you
If and when desired and will testify
fully, freely and frankly. There has
not been, Is not now, and will not be
any 'muzzling' of Army officers in
the expression of their individual opin-
IONS In your constructive program
the War Department will cordially
cooperate. I personally have long
felt that such an inquiry Is essential,
tn order that public opinion may rest
assured that the national defense is
being wisely safeguarded and Is In
the hands of officers of ability, loyalty
and vision, ana not OF mere bureau
Gratis.
AT this hearing 1 will confine my
self to general statements Of policy,
leaving the details to be elaborated
by the military and technical experts.
This follows the broad policy OF the
War Department of leaving admins
tration and operation of the technical
services to technical experts, under
general policies laid down by higher
authority. Ordnance experts direct
the ordnance service. medical men
direct the medical service, flyers df-
rect the Air Services. And, that there
may be no misunderstanding, let me
add that the War Department clearly
realizes the vital Importance Of avf-
alton in the national defense.
Now to answer your questions
briefly:
THE present organization OF the
Air Service, (a) personnel, (b) equip
ment, (c) training, Id appropriations:
THE chief of the Air Service will
present the detailed information de-
sired"
I'm general, I believe that our per-
sonnel is at least equal in skill, hardi-
hood and bravery to that of any
other nation. The equipment Is in
adequate in numbers, and part OF II,
built during the war, unsatisfactory
in condition, a situation which Is
gradually improving. This condltlon
is due solely to lack of money, and
can be remedied only by money.
That our technical and research work
is satisfactory is evidenced by the
fact that the Army Air Service holds
an extraordinarily large percentage
of world records in aviation.
"The efficiency of the whole serv-
fee was strikingly shown by the sue