NEWS OF THE WEEK IT HE appointment of Deputy-Chiefs of
Staff for the three services and the transference of Sir Charles Craven from the Admiralty to the Air Ministry to speed up produc- tion are moves that will substantially enhance the efficiency of the war-machine. So far as the air is concerned the per- formance of our aircraft has been so outstanding, and their superiority over the enemy so incontestable, that qual:ty can be left very largely to look after itself. Sir (lurks Craven was a sailor before he became head of Vickers-Arm- strongs, and the admirable work he has done at the Admiralty in speeding up ship-construction is the best of reasons for his transference, for while the navy's supremacy is now not only unchallenged but to all appearance un- challengeable the production of more and more aircraft may be the decisive factor in the war ; aerial activity will inevitably increase from now onwards, and losses must mount up in proportion. Of the other appointments the soundest and most welcome is that of Sir John Dill, hitherto commander of the First Corps in France, to be deputy to Sir Edmund Ironside. "Dill fights with his brains," a good judge said not long ago, and much as brains are needed in the field they can be put to even better service at the control-centre.
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