Hitler’s Gamble With Air Power v. Sea Power

Northern Advocate, 26 April 1940, Page 5

Hitler’s Gamble With Air Power v. Sea Power

(Received 2 p.m.) RUGBY, April 25. The well-known naval authority (Sir Archibald Hurd), in a letter to “The Times.” comments on the significance of the German adventure in Scandinavia as a gamble, undertaken in the belief that short-range use of airpower would neutralise locally superior seapower. Germany’s gross misrepresentation of the sinking of the British ships, Sir Archibald says, is intended to mislead neutral opinion for a sufficient time to enable Germany to reap the benefit of her bluff. Hoped to Convince Italy. He continues: “In particular, it is hoped to convince Italy, which is interested in circumscribed areas in the Mediterranean, that the bombing aeroplane, supported by a relatively small fleet, can gain command of these waters. “We may be assured from wliat has already happened in Norwegian waters, and on land, that superior seapower, with the aid of the enterprising Fleet Air Arm and the daring pilots of the It.A.F., will dis. pel such illusions. “I suggest that, except as an extension of the power of active navies and armies, the aeroplane is merely an instrument of terror and destruction, and cannot achieve decisive results in adequately defended countries.”