JAPAN’S AIR POWER

Greymouth Evening Star, 17 January 1941, Page 4

JAPAN’S AIR POWER

EFFECT OF EMBARGOES. The strength and effectiveness of Japan’s air power are certain to be seriously impaired in the future as a result of the step which has been taken by Canada in cutting off from her all supplies of aluminium, nickel, copper, and other essential war materials (states the “Manchester Guardian”). Added to this difficulty is the fact that she can, as a result of the recently imposed embargo, no longer acquire high-grade aviation petrol from the United States. It is true that the Japanese are still obtaining supplies of crude oil, but'since they have only very poor oil refining facilities the full needs of their air force cannot be met. Moreover, there is every lielihood that the United States will stop the shipment of crude oil very shortly. During the last 10 years Japan has built up a big air force, and with her power of imitation, which is a national characteristic, she has developed a considerable aircraft manufacturing industry copied from European countries. In the first place, she obtained aircraft from the United States, Great Britain, Germany, France and Italy, and subsequently built machines of the type supplied under license. Engines and air screws are also made under license in Japan.

But .in building her aeroplanes she is wholly dependent on other countries for the necessary materials, and to maintain them she has had to turn to the United States for fuel and oil almost entirely. Japanese aircraft are built in State factories and there are also private aeroplane manufacturing companies, such as Najakima and Mitsubishi. The former builds the American Douglas and the Dutch Fokker machines under license. For several years the Japanese.have been steadily increasing their marine air arm and have 10 or more aircraft carriers, which have the same complement of aeroplanes as British air-craft-carriers. Many of the shipborne aircraft used are of 'American design.