MOCK AIR RAIDS

Hokitika Guardian, 29 July 1927, Page 3

MOCK AIR RAIDS

LESSON OF MANOEUVRES

(Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.)

London, July u

London continues to lx* bombed lively front tile nir. Major Turner, who is the “Daily Telegraph's ’’ correspondent, with the characteristic dispassion of an expert, observes: That the raiders penetrate the defences causes no surprise; They would get through, with greater or less success, despite any defence scheme humanly coat livable. At best, there is only a reasonable hope for a scheme which will convince a potential enemy that it would be belter to say at homo; and failing that, to minimise the damage by hindering Jus aircraft; and reducing their number, and keeping them occupied in their own territory. These manoeuvres show that the defences are almost complete in some districts, but much remains to be done in others.

Major Ashmore, who is commanding the ground defences, predicts that m the event of war, half the inhabitants of some vii'lages, including the womenfolk, would be required to serve at listening posts, working day and night shifts.

This great mimic air war at London is the first in history, and it is revealing more and more the startling intelligence that London would he wiped out and millions of its inhabitants massacred within a few hours of the declaration of war. This is contrary to the hopes of experts. Very valuable lessons in aerial defence of London, however, have been learned. So far, too, many raiding squadrons have easii'y avoided the defences, working with the utmost war time efficiency. The great searchlight stations, however, have been remarkably efficient in picking out the raiding planes.

THE GLOOMY DEAN. LONDON. July 28.

Commenting on the air manoeuvres, Dean fnge, in an arresting article in the “Evening Standard,” says: It is war with the gloves off! I am amazed at the civilized world’s ready acquiescence ill tile appalling belief that the next war will see the promiscuous massacre of iion-com bu tan t men, women and children. There is something radically wrong with the civilisation which thus deliberately returns to the worst traditions of savagely. It is a retrogression to a point far beyond the Greeks and the Homans. We have to go back to the Hook of Joshua for anything approaching such a horror what responsibi'e statesmen say We must expect in the next war. Referring to how wars are caused Dean Inge says: We must remember there is one diabolical Government, that of Russia, which would not shrink at massacring three-quarters of Europe if the remaining quarter could be subjected to the miseries which they have inflicted on their own people. The bitter truth must he spoken. Until this nest of hornets is smoked out, disarmament in Europe is impossible. Italy is said to be a menace to peace. In my opinion, Mussolini is only indulging in tho dangerous game of sabre rattling.

THE REAL ORJECT. LONDON, July 28. Referring to the air war, the “ Daily Herald ” predicts, as the sequel of these manoeuvres, a campaign to increase the Air Force greatly. FRENCH AIR MANOEUVRES. LONDON, July 28. Air manoeuvres are now also in progress in France. They were marked by one disaster, two machines colliding at a height of three thousand feet, one pilot being killed and another seriously injured. A German passenger aeroplane crashed outside Amoneburg, two pilots and three passengers being killed.