LOOKING AHEAD

Greymouth Evening Star, 17 April 1937, Page 8

LOOKING AHEAD

IF WAR CAME TO LONDON The prevailing pessimism about the international outlook is reflected in an article in Lord Rcthermere’s journal, the “Sunday Pictorial,” which frankly discusses plans for the possible evacuation of London in the event of war, says the London correspondent of the Melbourne “Age." It is widely thought that if war is declared it will begin with a surprise atproblems being dealt with by Government and defence authorities include — (1) the immediate removal of the Government of the country to a secret and better-protected spot in the provinces; (2) the safety of the Royal Family, and probably their transfer to some place safe from aerial attack, (3) the evacuation of the population of London and principal cities into the country generally. Experts have agreed, it is stated, that arrangements will have to be made to transfer the War Cabinet aiid possibly all the Government officers to the country. The actual site for these headquarters would, of course, be kept secret until the last moment, but it is thought that they should be near a powerful wireless station. Apart from the West Regional, which is considered an unsuitable area, the only British Broadcasting Corporation studios outside London fit for nationwide broadcasts are in Manchester Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Aberdeen. Of these, Manchester which is the North Regional studio, or Aberdeen, is most likely to be chosen, it is stated. . . The Lancashire area, lying in the shelter of the Pennines, is also considered to be one of the safest areas for the Royal family. None of the Royal palaces, except Balmoral, offer's such a safe refuge from aerial attack as, for instance, Lord Derby’s Lancashire home, Knowsley Park. Then there are the great mansions of Cheshire. Balmoral is considered to have many natural advantages as a Royal residence in war time, although it has the great disadvantage of being far away from the possible seat of Government, ’the Highlands have the reputation of being the most dangerous flying area in Britain. Many pilots to-day refuse to cross the mountains.

Plans for the evacuation of London and other cities at the rate of 4,000,000 a week have been prepared, it is stated, by the four main-line railway companies. Military experts it is stated, know that the greatest dangers of an aerial attack are incendiary ' bombs and mustard gas sprayed from | aeroplanes which, at a great height, I can remain hidden behind clouds. It |is thought that raiding aeroplanes would make reservoirs one of their I first objectives. Having destroyed the | water supply, they would then drop their flaming bombs on towns unable to protect themselves against lire.

The crossing of the Pennines from east to west has always been a. bogy io airmen, and they always fly round whenever possible. South of the Pennines flat, lands would make flying more or less simple. A Government spokesman informed the “Sunday Pictorial”: —“If we were bombed on a big scale in London, the situation would rapidly become precarious. There is no doubt that the Government and all Government officers would have to disperse. One of the safest spots for them would be the Manchester and Liverpool area.”