AIR RAID STRAIN

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 142, 12 March 1941, Page 7

AIR RAID STRAIN

Dispersal Policy The Best LONDON EXPERIENCE (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, March 10. Only three per centi of London’s population use the public air-raid shelters. This was revealed by the Minister of Health, Mr. Brown, ( at a conference in Cardiff on problems arising out of air raids. “I deduce from that,” said the Minister, “that the ordinary man and woman realize that the policy of dispersal is best. They prefer to stand the strain in their own homes.” Mr. Brown paid a tribute to the courage of the people of Britain. “Hitler’s weapon,” he said, “will break in his hand. Our people will continue to stand up to the attacks magnificently.” Mr. Brown said that the health of the people, judged on normal tests’, had stood up to this period with the most gratifying strength. The worst fears of those socially concerned with health had, happily, not been realized, even under conditions which were very grim indeed. Destruction Of Churches. Virtually 2000 churches in London and the provinces have been destroyed or damaged by bombers in quest' of “military objectives.” The actual number given by the Vatican radio is 1986, and'comprises: Destroyed in London, 14 Roman Catholic, 120 Anglican, 125 Free Churches. Damaged in London, 13 Roman'Catholic, 250 Anglican, and 350 Free Churches. Destroyed or heavily damaged in the provinces, 20 Roman Catholic, 100 Anglican, 150 Free Churches. Churches more lightly damaged, 30 Roman Catholic, 300 Anglican, and 514 Free Churches. In addition, 45 Roman Catholic monasteries and convents have been destroyed.