28 FEBRUARY 1914, Page 2

On Wednesday in the Commons Colonel Seely made a statement

on military aeronautics. The War Office had 161 aeroplanes, and it was hoped to complete the proposed eight squadrons before the end of the year. For this purpose they required 250 aeroplanea-200 for the Military Wing and 50 for the Central Flying School. The aeroplanes would be built in this country, and in a short time all-British-made engines would be available. Colonel Seely then explained the uses of aeroplanes. At a height of 5,000 feet on a clear day all the details below were visible. It was possible to see whether a waggon was drawn by one horse or by two. It was possible to observe people walking in the streets. It was easier still to detect the movements of troops. An army without aeroplanes was a doomed army.