§ 6. Mr. CAIRNSasked on what date the Government of India made known their requirements for aeroplanes for military purposes; and on what date those requirements were supplied?
§ Mr. FISHERIn July and August, 1918, representations were made as to the need of additional air forces in India, but the requirements of the Western Front rendered it impossible to comply with the demand. In November, 1918, shortly 1657 after the Armistice, Air Vice-Marshal Salmond proceeded to India to confer on the post war organisation and strength of the Royal Air Force in that country, but without waiting for a final decision on those points, additional air forces were demanded in January, 1919. It was accordingly arranged that additional air forces should be despatched to India, and that the squadrons already there should be re-equipped with up-to-date machines. Owing to the difficulty of providing suitable shipping, and to the shortage of personnel due to demobilisation, the reinforcements did not reach India until the late summer and autumn of 1919. These reinforcements fulfilled all requirements.