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a definite element to be considered in any scheme of National Defense, such a viewpoint has become untenable.  England, due to its position, unless strong in the air, can be subjected to continued air attacks and command of the sea has ceased to be her main protection.  Air Power and not Sea Power is now her most important objective, and she now considers the Air Force and not the Navy her first line of defense, the Air Force having been organized on the basis coequal with that of the ARmy and Navy as early as November 1917.

The situation in this country is analogous to that of England, except that the water distances separating us from threatened attack are many times greater and we are many years behind England in the organization and building of an Air Force.  In so far as the former condition is concerned, the many recent trans-oceanic flights are evidence of the fact that the water distances are shrinking rapidly, and if it has now arrived, the time is not far distant when the Navy will cease to be our first line of defense, requiring an Air Force for the replacement of that important function.

For the country to be ready with an Air Force to assume that obligation will require an immediate overhauling of our National Defense Policy, giving full recognition to the importance of Air Power on an equal basis with that of sea and land power, and the adoption of a definite program to build an Air Force through which it can be attained.  The importance of at once instituting such a program can only be appreciated when it is realized that it will take many years to realize the

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