Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-07-26
FRENCH NOTE FORETELLS
DISARMAMENT MEET DOOM
Maintains Air Force Is at Minimum
Against German Claims -Discord Au-
ours Ill for Geneva Conference.
BY G. II. ARCHAMBAULT.

~ ARIS.-Publication this week of
- the full text Of the French
memorandum to the League Of
4 Nations on ornaments, to be
presented TO next years dis
armament conference at Geneva, in
dicateS that France Is unwilling to con-
sent to further arms cuts without strong
guarantees Of the status quo In Europe
and Of her own security.
Sensational, imaginary pictures Of
Paris and other French cities being
destroyed by air attacks, while some
what minimized by the general staff,
continue to be displayed prominently
in Paris journals. Some of them even
advocate that corner stores keep a sup
ply of gas masks available for the
populace at a moments notice in the
event of gas attack.
Plane Situation Stressed.
The importance to France of not
cutting down her air force in the pres
ent precarious situation In Europe is
pointed out in the memorandum, which
states that the nation has only 80
airplanes more than it had in 1923
and that these are chiefly in colonial
service, while instead of the seven diri-
gibles it had in 1928 there are now only
three.
At present France has 1910 land and
sea military planes, or 80 more than
she had six years ago. when the serv-
ice was overhauled. How these planes
may best be used for defensive pur-
poses is expected to be exhaustively
described in an important report which
is scheduled to be made public when
it is submitted by Marshal Philippe
Petain at the reopening Of Parliament
in the Autumn.
For several months now Marshal
Petain has been investigating military
aviation in France, inspecting existing
defenseS and preparing others. He has
also been testing the combative value
of the French army air service. Under
his direction and in his presence aerial
maneuvers have been held in several
sections Of the country, especially by
night. In each case emphasis has been
placed on defense rather than on
offense. for it is admitted that it is
easier to carry out an air attack than
to repel one.
"Air Danger Overemphasized."
It Is understood that Marshal Petain
will report that the popular concep-
ton of the magnitude of aerial attacks
is based on erroneous ideas. Aggres-
sion from the air would be a very
grave menace in time of war, but it
must not be imagined that cities will
be wiped out in a few minutes, as pic
tured by sensational writers.
From the point of view Of defense.
the two most important factors are
rapidity and organization. As the as
sailant will rely in great part on the
effects of surprise, it is essential that
anti-aircraft units should be stationed
in time of peace at the very spot where
they will be needed in time of war
Furthermore, observation stations must
be numerous and manned by competent
STATS, in order that there may be nc
delay in reporting the passage Of enemy
air squadronS. with indications of their
speed, altitude and strength. together
with reports on wind and visibility.
From the maneuverS hitherto carried
out in France, it would appear that the
barrage Is the most reliable weapon
against invaders from the air. Attempts
to bring down airplanes by direct hits
are discouraged. reliance being placed
in the moral and material value of pro-
longed barrages in the case Of planes
heavily laden with explosives.