Whenever in the opinion of the governing bodies of any two cities of the second class, both of which are located in a county having a population of not less than thirty-four thousand nor more than forty-two thousand, the public safety and national defense can be promoted thereby, the governing bodies of such cities may acquire as tenants in common, within or without the city limits of such cities, by purchase, gift, lease, or otherwise, lands to be used for the purpose of an army air corps operations depots or other facilities relating to national defense. Such cities may enter into contracts or agreements with each other relating thereto, duly authorized by ordinances and for joint acquisition of such lands. The governing bodies of such cities shall have authority to accept gifts of money or other things of value from any person, firm or corporation to be used in acquiring lands for such purposes.