Greymouth Evening Star. THURSDAY, MAY 21, 1942. ALLIES’ AERIAL STRENGTH.

Greymouth Evening Star, 21 May 1942, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star. THURSDAY, MAY 21, 1942. ALLIES’ AERIAL STRENGTH.

WHATEVER the mistakes and failures of the Allies, during Hie war, it must be agreed that excellent foresight, planning and organisation have provided the

United Nations with an aerial strength that has hitherto held off the enemy, and now promises to annihilate him. Most .of the reverses endured by tin* Democracies were largely due to the enemy’s superior aerial strength. Long-time preparation for the struggle enabled the Axis Powers Io build up a huge Air Force, which also had the advantage of working on interior lines. If events had occurred according to military theories, the Axis aerial strength would have won the war long ago. Happily for the Allies, the human element is not controlled by theories, and the ILA.F.. in the Battle of Britain, and since, has proved superiority, in all but numbers of machines, over the foe. Now, this important factor of number and quality of planes, is turning to the advantage of the Allies, and perhaps, it is realisation of this, that makes Mr. Cordell Hull and other U.S.A, officials, optimistic about the prospects of the war ending comparatively early. One of the main causes of the satisfactory state of the Allies’ aerial strength was the institution of what is termed the Empire Training Scheme. This has been successful beyond original estimates, and as a consequence thousands of trained aircrews from all parts of the Empire, have been made available for active service. Indeed, it is no secret that there are far more of these trained men available than planes for them to use. That deficiency is being remedied, and it is consoling to know that as the U.S.A, planes are produced by the thousand weekly, there will be no difficulty about manning. Credit is due to those responsible for the suci c(*ss of the Empire scheme, as well for the British and U.S.A, separate similai arrangements. Xew Zealand shares in this litriiimph .of organisation and efficiency, and is entitled Io be gratified about her

participation. To make good even better, a conference is being- held at Ottawa at which most of the United Nations have delegates. The proceedings will be secret, for obvious reasons, but it does not require much imagination to realise the importance of the gathering. Some of the delegates cannot claim to know much about aviation, but their presence proves the goodwill of the countries thus represented. Others in the conference are acknowledged authorities, and have co-operated to secure previous progress. The early decision to pool resources and men was significant of the general desire for unity and co-operation, and the result of the discussions should enable the Allies to maintain an aerial offensive against the Axis, which will be impossible to overcome. When the planes available are even greater in number than the in en to man them, allowing a full Offensive at all times,—and this is believed to be within sight.—then will the Axis Powers be given in full measure and running over. what, they inflicted on Democratic lands, earlier in the campaign.