The justice of the German claim is not to be
seriously challenged.. It is close on. fifteen months now since Germany was promised equality of status, and though the proposal of a decision on the abolition of military aviation within two years was perhaps worth throwing out., its rejection can cause no great surprise even to its authors. France has more than once proposed the abolition of militdry aviation; subject to certain con- ditions which can be discussed. If this country will accept it definitely Germany, so far as can be discovered. will abandon the idea of constructing an air force. If she does construct one it is hardly conceivable that she should consent to destroy it just as it reaches the pro- jected strength. The British draft's two-years discussion of the problem of abolition would in that ease be completely futile. All the indications are that the decision regarding the future of air warfare rests with the British Cabinet. It is an appalling responsibility. The deciding factor should be the reflection that our abandonment of a weapon of doubtful value in defence would mean France's and Germany's abandonment of a weapon immensely powerful in attack. We should gain, not lose, by such a deal.
