PARACHUTE HOAX

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21195, 19 August 1940, Page 6

PARACHUTE HOAX

By dropping parachutes and faked orders on British soil the Germans have shown that they are under-rating British intelligence. The intention obviously is to create the impression that parachutists have landed secretly and successfully evaded the British defences. The whole affair, however, seems to have been very clumsily executed and has not had the desired effect. Naturally there was some apprehension until an investigation could be made, but empty parachutes are no longer likely to cause any disturbance of the British morale. It is significant that the Germans have thought it wise not to append troops to the parachutes—at least not yet. They are probably aware that the British defences against just such an emergency have been very carefully prepared. What they probably did not anticipate is that they have given Britain very useful exercise in perfecting the measures evolved to meet the menace of men dropped from the skies. The reception given by British airmen to bombers and fighters will probably cause the Germans to hesitate before attempting to send across the Channel the lumbering troop-carrying planes which would present an easier target for the fast British fighters and probably result in heavy loss of life before the invaders had a chance of putting into operation the technique for parachute troops which proved so damaging in other countries invaded by Germany. Anywhere in Britain, parachute troops may expect to receive a surprise equal to that of the German airman who “baled out” and landed in the middle of a Canadian camp. If and when Germany decides to attempt an invasion by parachutists, a few must be expected to evade the vigilance of the country-wide defence scheme, but Britain has had ample time to school the whole population against the danger of enemies landing and mingling with the people. Today every stranger is suspect in Britain. Germany’s opinion on the subject is not known, but it will be a great surprise to observers all over the world if the Nazis can drop sufficient men from the harassed air force to avoid almost instant annihilation or capture.