THROUGH RUSSIAN EYES.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 279, 24 October 1940, Page 6

THROUGH RUSSIAN EYES.

On several occasions of late reports from Russian sources have referred ,to the outstanding achievements of the Royal Air Force, the tone of these accounts being marked by a good deal of respect-for the daring and skill of our airmen. The Moscow radio, which is controlled by the State, this week spoke of the “massive blow's being struck against industrial centres” in various parts of Germany, notably against Berlin. When it is recalled that Russia set out years ago to build up the strongest air force in the wmrld —she claimed to have done so and many foreign observers for a time, agreed with her—comments from such a source, anent the devastation being wrought by the Royal Air Force have immensely added w'eight, for “massive blows” in tlie Itussian view must be massive indeed. The Nazis have almost completely shut down foreign new's agencies, but in dealing with Itussian chroniclers of events the enemy must tread warily lest he lose more prestige by hiding from Itussia the truth about damage from the air than he would by allowing* free observation of what is taking place. In any case, it is most Likely that first-hand new's has more chance of reaching the world outside Germany through Russia than by any other channel, since American correspondents have been most seriously dealt with—indeed about all they can transmit now is an official supplied account of happenings as coloured to suit the Nazi Propaganda Ministry. The lies vdiich the latter disseminates to neutral countries in order to discount the effects of the Royal Air Force raids are sharply revealed in the latest Moscow' report. At the same time, while there has never been the slightest reason to doubt the accuracy of the British Air Ministry, reports—some of our American friends think it a mistake to persist in underestimating Nazi planes destroyed rather than have errors—the Russian messages should have a deep impression on neutral countries as to how strong Britain’s air fighting strength has really become.