INVASION OF BRITAIN

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2335, 17 December 1914, Page 7

INVASION OF BRITAIN

GERMAN PROJECTS ATTEMPT TO CREATE A SCARE The "Saohsischer Staats-Anzeiger" (Saxon State Gazette) in October published the- following statement by General Baron von Ardenno. (In 1913 General ,von Ardeuno was in the Gen-oral-Adjutancy of the War Office in Berlin.) , If the' English watch on our naval position Borkum-Wilhelmshaven-Heligo-Tand-Brunsbuttel is almost impossible in tho present circumstances—up to now it has not beon at all successful—it will become quite impossible when Bolgium and the north coast of France to tho mouth? of the Seine are in German hands. ■ -

The Bomewhat improbable report that the French havo, retreated from Boulogne opens up a wide view ov,er Germany's future position in the fight. In the course of time we shall be in possession of Calais, probably also of Dieppe and Havre. At Calais, the Channel narrows down to a width of 35-40 kilometres (22-25 miles). Our 80.5 (12in.) howitzers have a range of 14 miles (height of such a shot 4370 yards). The range of our 42cm. (17in.) ■howitzers is still greater. England can expebt still further artillery surprises. Even if we cannot shoot from the French coast to the English; , a safety zone can be made for German ships which. will "cover more than half the navigable water.' In tho French har* bours bases can bo had for torpedoboats and submarines, cruisers, scouts, etc., and—last..but not least—bases for our Zeppelins. These bases en the French coast can be made absolutely impregnable from, the sea by double or triple rows of mines, especially anchor-' ed mines.. ',To anchor mines in these waters is comparatively easy. If this triple minefield be laid from the' French to the English coast, then the great harbours to the west (Portsmouth, Plymouth, etc.) wonld be cut off from the North Sea. The '■ connection round Scotland would be diffioult. The mines would be anchored in double rows, so that the one row of mines would, protect the open space between the mines of the other row. Our own ships could pass by, a channel known only to our own pilots. The possibility of laying such mines cannot be doubted after the experience we have had, provided that it be carried- out under cover of our artillery. Besides 'the rninesi our torpedo and submarine division would come into action. , The latter can move almost hid from sight with only tho periscope above water; through it tho captain can see the sea, and.spy out danger or booty. The submarines will play a big role in tho mine-laying. When once these mines are laid forts with the heaviost artillery and airship sheds will be built. A guerrilla war with submarines supported by air cruisers will cause our enemy much anxiety. In the French harbours which lie opposite Great Britain our fleet of commerce destroyers -, would also find a base. This seems to be more easily carried out because of England's repeat-' ed breach of international law.

That this will be no joke for the British Isles : oan easily be seen from the fact that England is so far as its food is concerned, dependent chiefly on foreigD countries. Any disturbance in its supplies would be badly felt. Even now_ our commerce destroyers and the sinking of ships carrying contraband, including food, are proving a thorn in Great Britain's side. When private property is no longer-'safe at sea..there will be a severe collapse in the import of foodstuffs. In suite of-all England's mine-laying, in spite-of her greafFleet; she' is always afraid of a German force landing in the United Kingdom. When tho French north coast .is in our hands, such an invasion—which is now considered a foolish"•-.■romance—will be easily possible,- especially when England continues to send.,troops away from the island,.'- ;'^;\. The preparations made by Napoleon in 1804 to reach'the English coast have been discussed in. military circles from more than an historical point of view.