New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1925-09-21
Assist, Sec. Of War
Admits Equipment Is
Inadequate But Is
Controlled by Funds
Personnel Unex-
celled.
NO MUZZLING OF
ARMY WITNESSES

Washington, Sept. 21 R-The
American people were assured today
by Acting Secretary OF War Davis
that there is mo reason to be pan
icky about the condition of the
army air service"
Testlfying as the first witness be-
fore the presidents air board, Mr..
Davis broadly outlined the policy Of
the army air arm and pointed to the
successful world fight by Army
planes as one achievement which
has proved its right to public con-
fidence."
Equipment Inadequate.
"rhe amount Of equipment Is In
adequate" he said, but this is con-
trolled by funds available, while Its
personnel although somewhat limit
ed, Is unexcelled by any air service
in the world"
NJ. Davis, who first urged ap-
pointment of the board, pledged the
full cooperation of the war depart
ment In this inquiry, and said that
If during the investigation charges
were made against is adm! ,istration
he would welcome an opportunity
to reappear and answer them.
Welcomes Inquiry.
The war department" Mr.. Davis
said, welcomes this inquiry into the
air defences 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
being wisely and economically ex-
pended and whether the defenses of
the country are planned, organized
and equipped in the most effective
manner.
In the consideration of this VI
tally important subject honest diff
ferences Of opinion naturally arise.
They exist within the war depart
ment itself as you will undoubtedly
hear today, and the proper express
sion Of honest convictions Is to be
encouraged. The war department inn
pugns the motives Of no critics: 1t
has the right to demand the same
fair dealing for itself. 1t seeks to
keep an open mind on all debatable
questions, to adopt any constructive
suggestions which 1t can approve, to
improve the service wherever II
means will permit.
Must Have Facts,
I'm carrying out its serious re-
sponsibilities for the national de-
fense, it Is mortally bound to insist
that mere assertions must be backed
up by hard facts, that due consider
alton must be given to the costly ex-
perlence OF the past in Weighing
speculations as to the future, that
change for the sake of change alone
is unjustifiable. We here are all act
uated by the same fundamental mo-
tive, that patriotic desire to safe
guard our common heritage; as We
may honestly differ as to the ways
and means Of accomplishment. In
such a discussion there is no place
for passion, personalities or preju-
dices. In that spirit, we welcome this
inquiry.
"On behalf OF the war department.
am glad to offer the board of avi-
alton inquiry every assistance in our
power.
Sense Not Sensation.
'I believe that the board wants
sense not sensation, facts not fam
cies, arguments not mere assertions.
All studies, records, and reports
whether public, confidential or se-
cret, are at your disposal Officers
enlisted men and employees will ap-
pear before you If Id when de-
sired and will testify fully. freely
and frankly,
There has not been, Is not now
and will not be any 'muL1ling' Of
army officers in the expression OF
their individual opinion. In your
constructive program, the war de-
partment will cordially cooperate.
personally have long felt that such
an inquiry is essential, in 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 Wis
ion. and not Of mere hureaucrats.
AT this hearing / will confine my
self to general statements OF policy,
leaving the details to be elaborated
by the military and technical ex-
perts.
Personnel Praised.
''In general. l believe that our
personnel is at least equal In skt'l,
hardihood and bravery TO that Of
any other nation.
The equipment Is inadequate IN
numbers and part of It, built during
the war, unsatisfactory. This condi-
ton is due solely to lack Of money
and can be remedied ooly by money.
That our technical and research work
Is satisfactory is evidenced by the
tact that the army air service holds
an extraordinarily large percentage
Of world records In aviation.
Efficiency shown.
The efficiency Of the whole servz
ice was strikingly shown by the sue
cess of the rcund-the-world fight. Z
u "a - -