Evening star., 1934-02-04

Coupled with the great Navy build
ing program now on its way through
the legislative mill, the Army aviation
program, If put into practical effect
by congressional support, would raise
the United States from its present
position as fourth or fifth among the
world air powers to a post we'll toward
the top Of the list.
Bewildering Phase Seen.
One Of the most beWildering phases
Of the general staff program to avia-
ton people is the difficulty of recon-
Cling the program with the annual
report Of the chief Of staff, issued
within the past month.
In that report the chief OF stad
pointed out that TO build up the
Air Corps "the War Department has
sacrificed much else that is required
In a well balanced defense program
with the result that no other arm OF
service of our Army is relatively sc
well prepared as is the Air Corps"
"Manifestly," the chief OF stan con-
tinued. lit would be nothing less than
folly to acCentuate too far the dlspar-
ity in the state Of readiness between
air and ground arms, fOr-as has peer
so often demonstrated-it Is not one
weapon. one arm or one component
that assures victory; it is the sKllllui
co-ordinated and effective employ
nent of all in proper balance"
The announcement. within month
after this report, of plan OF eXpan'
sion which not only would make gooc
Air Corps deficiencies Of 1000 air
planes. 400 Regular officers and 6.2OC
men. but would go far beyond these
limits, has aroused storm OF specu-
lation.
The expansion plan, as reflected or
Capitol Hill in a bill now being pre-
pared by Chairman McSwain of the
House Military Affairs Committee
would provide 5000 alrplanes for the
Army Air Corps. The original flve-
year Air Corps program. not yet com
pleted, would have provided only l.8OC
"serviceable" airplanes. The wore
"serviceable" was interpreted to ex'
empt the l2i2 per cent of Air Corps
planes regularly in air depots fol
overhauling and repair. making q
total of 2,025 airplanes in service and
in depots. This Interpretation has
been reaffrmed by the general staff
In announcing the new program
The McSwain plan. therefore, would
mean a 50 per cent increase in the
total Of Air Corps airplanes. or more
than sc per cent. if the term service
able airplanes' be applied to the 5000
total.
The McSwain plan would increase
the Regular Army officer personnel
of the Air Corps from 1880 to 2,45o
and the enlisted roster by about
$500 The Navy program calls for
approximately 1180 new airplanes.
Whatever the reason behind the ex-
pansion program, its adoption is cause
for rejoicing on the part of those ad-
vocates Of preparedness who for many
years have called upon the Govern
ment to build up its air force to a
strength sufficient to cope with any
existing air force which might be
launched against this country.
Airport Plans MuddIed.
The congressional campaign for a
model airport for the National Cap
ital apparently has been badly mud
died during the past few days As
has been the case every time the air.
port matter has been raised in Con-
gress during the past eight years. the
issue has been clouded by the advo-
Gates of rival sites
The House Military Affairs Commit
tee. considering the McSwain bill to
close Military road and acquire and
improve Washington Airport, virtu-
ally has reached an impasse. Approx
imately 10 sites. m the District. Mary
land and Virginia. have been proposed