Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1938-11-06
By the Associated Press.

BY the Associated Press.
Administration circles heard YES
terday that President Roosevelt in
tended definitely to ask Congress to
authorize one of the worlds might
est air fleets, numbering from 1000
10 10000 warplanes, for the Army.
His far-reaching plans to bolster
national defenses were reported au-
thorltatlvely to include also full war
equipment as quickly as possible for
a nucleus army of 400, 900 or more
men.
1t was estimated that the pro-
gram involved OUTLAWS next year ex-
ceedlng by well over $500 OO0, 900 this
years appropriations for all military
purposes, including naval.
A separate emergency" budget for
the new rearmament program was
one device the President was re-
ported to have under consideration.
Inc projected reinforcements. the
outcome OF an extensive resurvev
OF defense needs which was intensi-
ned by Europe's recent crisis, were
said to be chiefly for the Army and
Air Corps. Also in prospect, how
ever. is request for increased an
preparations to carry out this wears
Dillon dollar fleet expansion act.
which laid out the Nays course for
decade.
Details Are Withheld.
Details of the new rearmamert
program were hidden in confidential
budget estimates. but in vell-in-
formed quarters it was believed the
PRESIDENTS recommendations to
Congress early next year would fol-
low this general outline:
J.. At least TRIPPING the Army Air
Corps present goal of 1870 first
line nghting planes, fixed in 1885,
New planes would be added by mass
production methods over a period of
several years. There has been no
hint OF a proposal to increase fur
ther the Nays new goal of 5000
planes, set in the expansion act.
2. Undertaking Immediately to
equip the Army's initial protective
force of about 100000, which in
cludes the Regular Army and Ma
tional Guard. with essential" semi
automatic rifles, anti-aircraft guns,
bombs, tanks and gas masks.
8. Fastening acquisition Of war
reserves for a force of 1000 900
which, under War Department plans.
would take the field within a few
months in the event of United
States involvement in a new World
War.
4. Various means to prepare in
dustry to shift quickly and effec-
lively in an emergency from peace
time production to mass output OF
planes and munitions.
War Equipment Sum.
BY War Department estimate.
the full war equipment for the in
itial protective force. excluding such
things as readily obtainable motor
trucks. would require an appropria-
ton of $142.O 900. 900.
Gen. Malin Craig, chief of staff.
gave Congress an estimate this year
that the cost of this program would
be $3.50 900 900, and $4,000. 900 was
provided toward meeting deficien-
cies, mostly in anti-a1rcraft guns and
equipment.
The augmented air force, fleet
rivaling Germany's in size. would
require far greater sum. but the
outlay would be spread over a num-
Der of years.
Without undertaking to predict
definitely the War Department out
lay which the Chief Executive will
recommend, some who have had
part in the defense resurvey believe
the increase over this years figure
will at least match the $50, ZOO, 900
increase Mr.. Roosevelt has projected
for the Navy.
The Navy must have $3.50, 1000 900
additional. the President has said,
to carry forward its warship con-
struction program.
Present Appropriations.
In round figures, not including
public works and relief fund allot-
ments for new barracks and other
buildings, Congress this year gave
the Army s458, 600, 900 and the Navy
(see DEFENSE, Page A-4J