The Washington times., 1935-04-09
GEN. JOHNSON
ASSA|LED BY
RAUSENBUSH
Arms Committee Counsel
Replies to Criticism of
War Profits Program
Continued from Page y

NNOHStHuGo BTV" uSS -
all types of arms possessed by
other countries and was not
prepared to refrain from con-
structiOn Of certain types until
other countries have ceased to
possess them"
Regarding naval ornaments,
he said, Germany claimed the
right to IS per cent OF Britain'S
tonnage.
Sir John briefly summarized the
views of other European govern
ments, ascertained during Capt.
Anthony Eden's recent CONT
mental tour. He added that for
the present it was impossible to
make a definite pronouncement
regarding British policy.
Views of Moscow
Captain Eden learned is Mos
COW, Simon said, that the Soviets
consider the present situation
requires creation of a security
system in Europe as contemplated
in the Anglo-French agreement
of February and in the prin-
cipleS of the League of Nations.
The Russians emphasized, he
said, that the proposed Eastern
pact is not aimed at encircle-
ment of any state and expressed
belief participation of Germany
and Poland constituted best Solu-
ton of the problem.
In Warsaw, Sir John continued,
Foreign Minister Joseph Beck
said Poland was satisfied with
existing agreements with Russia
and Germany and doubted new
proposals would improve the stu
alton.
Regarding Central European
pact, Simon said Germany did
not reject the idea on grounds
Of principle, but saw no necessity
for it.
In response to a question, Sir
John assured the House no COM
mitments would be made at
Stresa without previous discus
sion by Parliament. He said:
This cOuntry'S freedom will
not be hampered in any way
by what passes at Stresa."
Claim Air Superiority
The British public was assured
today that, contrary to previous
information, Great Britain has
an air force superior to that of
Germany.
Replying to a question in the
House of Commons as to whether
the relative strengths of the Bri-
tish and German air forces in
first-line aircraft have altered
since last official figures were
given, Sir Philip Sassoon, under
secretary for air, said:
After all relevant factors
are taken into account, we be-
lieve the r. A. F. still has a
margin of superiority over the
German air force"
On April 3, Foreign Secretary
Sir John Simon informed the
House that Chancellor Hitler had
told him Germany already has
achieved aerial parity with
Britain.
Seek Air Pact
Sudden death and devastation
from the skies, military authori.
ties believe, would mark the be-
ginning of the next war, and
Britain'S chief aim at the Stresa
conference Thursday will be to
eliminate the probability of this
horror.
The British delegation, headed
by Prime Minister Macdonald will
urge upon France and Italy the
conclusion of an "air Locarno"-a
pact providing for mutual aerial
assistance against an aerial
aggressor-it was learned today.
Germany later will be asked to
participate in the treaty, which al.
ready has the approval of Chan.
cellor Hitler, who discarded every
> other phase of the Anglo-French
European peace plan.
Limitation of air fleets to def.
mite figures, as navies are now
restricted, is to be proposed by
Britain, the cabinet decided yes.
terday.