BATTLE IN THE SKY

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 91, 15 October 1934, Page 9

BATTLE IN THE SKY

GROWTH OF FRENCH FORTS

A GENERAL'S PREDICTION

PABIS, September 30,

'' Concrete has given birth to wings,'' says General Debeney, Inspector-Gen-era] of Aviation in Franco, in an article in the "Revuo ties Deux Mondes." Ho emphasises that the building of huge fortifications along France's eastern frontier lias forced battle into the sky. This, ho says, opens infinitely wider prospects in aviation, demanding new strategy.

"Germany, in the war for which she is preparing, will find it impossible to strike through Belgium, Switzerland, or tho impregnablo Maginot Line," says General Debeney. lie recalls Mr. Baldwin's recent declaration that theBritish frontier is on the Phiue, but he points out that it must not bo supposed that Britain will take over the defoiicc of France or will como to Franco's support where she is fighting. Therefore, France must keep out the invader. Air fights and ground battles must bo co-relatod. Aircraft constructors must change, their objectives and produce war aeroplanes of such power and such adoquate protection as to turn the air fleet into forts which will rain shot and shell from every angle. Aeroplanes must bo freed from paralysing servitude- to thoir aerodromes and must keep in touch with each other.

General Debeney adds that Fiance needs a Minister of National Defence, combining the War, Navy, and Air Departments, to pronounco the decisive phrase: "Enough concreto and more wings.''