COUNTERING THE NIGHT BOMBER

Southland Times, Issue 24240, 25 September 1940, Page 5

COUNTERING THE NIGHT BOMBER

Best Scientists At Work On Task

POSSIBLE SURPRISE FOR GOERING’S RAIDERS

(United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright) (Received September 24, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, September 23. It is' authoritatively stated that Britain’s best scientific brains are concentrating on the task of beating the night bomber. The practical application of recent improvements in the defence measures already justifies the hope of the fulfilment of Sir Archibald Sinclairs' prophecy that the pleasure of night bombing will, cease to be attractive to Goering. Scientists are studying the problem from several directions—improved antiaircraft fire, a higher balloon barrage, searchlights and speedier fighter interception. New inventions are being searchingly investigated, but, contrary to rumour, no entirely new weapon has yet emerged. It would be a mistake to concentrate on finding a solution applicable only to certain conditions. The defenders’ aim is to make the reception so hot in all weathers that even indiscriminate bombing will become so profitless and dangerous that it will be strictly confined. '

CALL FOR HOLY WAR PESHAWAR, September 23. A call for a holy war was made during special prayers at all the city’s mosques for the security and prosperity of Egypt, Turkey, Iran and Afghanistan. Particular intercession was offered' to “ward off Italy and other aggressors from the boundaries of Islamic countries.” Thousands crowding the largest mosque heard the speaker call Italy the, “meanest nation on earth.” He appealed for unity of Moslems throughout the world to fight Mussolini.