The Dominion. MONDAY, JANUARY 15, 1940. AIR ACTIVITY INCREASING

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 94, 15 January 1940, Page 6

The Dominion. MONDAY, JANUARY 15, 1940. AIR ACTIVITY INCREASING

There has been a marked increase in the activities of the Allied and German air forces during the past few days. One of the most notable exploits of the Royal Air Force has been the long-distance “leaflet raid” over Austria and Bohemia, which has produced some interesting results. It is evident from the lights observed in the territory explored that the enemy had no idea that such a journey would be attempted. This unexpected visit, and the showers of leaflets must have given his sense of security an unpleasant shock The Royal Air Force, moreover, is still concentrating systematic activity on the German North Sea bases, and gives the enemy no rest. The Nazi air forces have displayed greatly increased activity also. Enemv raiding squadrons are appearing in greater numbers off the British east coast, and smaller flights are engaged in heroic operations against defenceless ships and fishing vesse s. Some observers express the opinion that the enemy s fitful activities hitherto are explained by the probability that the German High Command has been husbanding its resources of machines petrol, and personnel in readiness for major air offensives when the winter is over. It is known that the war in Poland made more serious inroads on these than the Germans care to admit, and this fact, coupled with the increasing uncertainty of obtaining adequate supplies ot petrol, has compelled them to economize in order to be able to deliver terrific attacks in mass when the opportunity offers. ’ This seems a reasonable diagnosis. It is pointed out, however, that Germany cannot afford the consequences of a disaster in the air, as her recuperative capacity is a diminishing quantity, while on the other hand the Allies’ strength in the air is going tip by leaps and bounds. Nor, it is considered, can she risk the bombing ot open towns and civilians in the Allied countries without inviting reprisals which would awaken the German people to the tern tying realities of their position, and foster resentments against the regime that has been responsible for it. But these considerations will not weigh with the Nazi leaders if they realize that their case is desperate, and are faced with the alternatives of political destruction for themselves or staking everything on a gambler’s throw.