HIGHLIGHTS from THE CABLES

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 305, 27 December 1939, Page 7

HIGHLIGHTS from THE CABLES

BRITISH BULLDOGS ON THE WATCH.

MOW approaching a million tons, the Allies' toll of contraband reveals how the offensive on the economic front is steadily and ceaselessly tightening upon Germany. The blockade weapon is one which the British Navy has been compelled to nee time and again under conditions of war. Away back in 1803, two years before Trafalgar, the speed with which the Fleet took up blockade positions took Napoleon completely bv surprise in his designs to conquer Britain, and the Nelson tradition had its birth. To-day the blockade is exercised from a greater distance, but the underlying strategy is the same, to cut off the enemy from all sea communication, seize his ships and confiscate his cargoes. During the Napoleonic wars battle after battle was fought on land, but on Britain was supreme. The position is similar to-day. In military strength the two sides appear

BIRDMEN FROM THE DOMINIONS.

MOTHING has given us greater en--11 couragement since the war began than the keen desire of all parts oftlie Empire to play an effective part in air defence," said Sir Kingsley Wood. British Air Minister, when the Empire air scheme was first announced ten weeks ago. He recalled that in the last war the Dominions gave Britain lar«e numbers of skilled pilots and crews, but the effort of that time would pale into insignificance in comparison with that of to-day. He indicated that, under the sudden impulse of war, the Empire was planning to build up a permanent air organisation, based on expanded production and training, and linked up to develop overwhelming strength. The most advanced technical and training facilities in this organisation will be based in Canada, but Australia

to be fairly evenly matched, bat en tt» sea the Germans are outclassed. A hundred odd years ajro, as to-day, tirere, were convoys to be protected* against, the menace of raiders, but generally commerce continued with little interruption. Of course, there is a great difference as between convoying steam and oil-driven ships and sailing ships, for a modern convoy is not so much exposed to the trials *of winds and gales and is. therefore more compact °*nd safer, but the skill of the sailors continues, as always, a vital faetor. Blockade duty is a weary job. and the diversions of the radio, coupled -with twentieth century hygiene and dietarv, do not relieve it entirely of humdrum monotony. "I feel prouder every day and during the period of watehing sod waiting that I command euch men," wrote Jellicoe early in the last war, end the admiral of a blockading sqoadteon might say the same to-da#-

will also aim at a high stage of development. Already, within a few months of the start of hostilities, Acstralia has landed the first squadron of her air force in Britain, where final training will be carried out, and in Australia and iNew Zealand, as well as in Canada intensive recruiting is in progress. The success of the scheme will, of course, largely depend upon the type of younc man attracted into the ranks,* and from this angle it ts most gratifying that the enlistments in New Zealand and elsewhere in the Empire have been of such a standard as to give riae po the highest praise. Britain has been quick to acknowledge the inestimable value of the Dominions' response, and to recognise its importance in developing strategic plans for the "complete defeat" of the enemy.