Evening star., 1936-03-03
United Kingdom as one Of the fore

United Kingdom as one of the fore
most upholders of the Covenant.
1.-THE point was reached in August
last when We could no longer disre-
gard the possibility of an incident
occurring which might precipitate an
extension Of the conflict" the gov
ernment declared.
His majesty's government felt the
best way to secure that no such Incl
dent should arise was to guard
promptly against it, more particularly
in view of the extent to which the
Italian garrison in Libya North At
rtca) was being reinforced"
Thereupon, the British defenses,
garrisons and air forces at Gibraltar,
Western entrance to the Mediter-
ranean; Malta, strategic island in the
Mediterranean between Sicily and
Africa: Alden, seaport and British pro-
tectorate in Southwest Arabia, and
Egypt, bordering in Libya. were
strengthened.
The white paper said, "The most
careful review of these dispositions
and arrangements shows that they
were justified and indeed necessitated
! by the emergency with which his
majesty's government had to deal"
Watch Situation Closely.
From August % on, little more than
a month before the Italo- Ethiopian
hostilities broke out, the government
! report disclosed. the situation was
watched from day to day" by a sub
committee of the Committee on I'M
perial Defense.
A defense subcommittee worked over
the program for increased national de-
fenses. and the cabinet gave final
approval yesterday to the white paper
awaited eagerly in Parliament
which disclosed the extent of the re-
armament.
The many precautions taken against
the Italo- Ethiopian situation, the gov
ernment report said, were carried out
only by "denuding other areas to an
extent which might involve grave
risks"
Over and above the circumstances
OF ANY particular dispute" the docu-
ment said, Britain's armed strength
must be high enough to enable us
TO exercise influence and authority
IN international affairs, which are
alike required for the defense of vital
British interests and in the applica-
tion OF the policy of collective Sc
! curity."
The government pledged itself to
continue to do its utmost to improve
international relations and promote
disarmament, but it added:
In determining our defense pro-
gram, it Is impossible to disregard the
extent of preparations which have
been made by Others"
Armaments abroad were summar-
lied thus:
German rearmament has been
proceeding throughout the year in
steady but rapid rate. As to the
TACT OF rearmament, there is no con-
cealment and 1t is being referred to
with satisfaction in statements by
German public men: but regarding
tne details, there is still great deal
of secrecy"
France "Rearming."
In France, the White paper said.
Two-year service was reintroduced
In the Spring Of last year. The French
air force is in the process Of impor-
tant reorganization and re-eouip-
ment.
THE barrier of fortresses on the
northeastern frontier is being ex-
tended at great cost to cover also the
northern departments. Special bor-
rowing powers have been obtained to
meet specific items in the defense ex-
penditure."
In Belgium, army expenditures
show a heavy increase, fortresses on
the eastern frontier being rapidly
strengthened and brought up to date, !"
the White paper said:
"The italian Army has been for the
last six months on a war footing. In
October, it was stated 100000 meu
were under arms and further recruits
have been called up since. The air
force is being rapidly and completely
re-equipped and also enlarged.
THE Soviet forces, according to the
latest official figures given by the
Soviet minister January IS last, have
been increased to a total of 100000
men. A further increase IN the Soviet
air force Is already in progress"
/ In Japan, the report said, "re-
equipment of the army has continued
to be pressed forward in accordance
with q comprehensive program,
greater sums than ever before being
appropriated In the budget for 1936-37
y for naval and military services COM
bned".
/ In the United States, the paper
asserted, "the total annual expenditure
on defense from revenues and loans
combined has risen from E108, ,000, 900
(about $4,000, ,000) in 1933-34 to
f18o, 100000 tabout 5000. .0oo,ooo) in
1885,"