* * * * The Fleet Air Arm There is
a general feeling of relief that the Government have at last come to a deci.ion over the Fleet Air Arm controversy, and it is to be hoped that the unusual bitterness that the conflict of opinion aroused will now disappear. The decision, announced by Mr. Chamberlain, but presumably worked out by Sir Thomas Inskip and his staff; is that all ship-borne aircraft will henceforward be under Admiralty _control and manned entirely by naval personnel. Since the Balfour Committee's Report of 1923 the administrative, but not the operational, control of the Fleet Air Arm, together with thirty per cent. of its pilots, have been under the Air Ministry—an obviously anomalous situation which led to many difficulties. Under the new arrangements friction is avoided, and the Navy regains complete mastery of the men and machines which represent the eyes of the Fleet. On the other hand, the shore-based aircraft, including seaplanes, which often co-operate with the fleet in coastal defence, remain under Air Ministry control. To draw a hard and fast distinction between coastal and inland air defences is, impracticable under modern conditions. On several points, including the all- important questions of supply and training, details are un- disclosed and probably undecided.
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