It is, of course, a very great honour and pleasure for me to act as Honorary President of the Royal Aeronautical Society in its Centenary Year. This would be true even if I did not know the first thing about aviation but for someone who enjoys flying and takes a close interest in the whole subject of aeronautics this is a very special experience.

I have already been able to extend a very warm and cordial welcome to all the delegates attending this Congress but I want to repeat how delighted the Society is to have so many distinguished guests from abroad. Aeronautics is one of the few truly international activities right through from research and development to the carriage of passengers and freight all over the world.