AIR RAID REPRISALS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume L, Issue 175, 24 October 1917, Page 1

AIR RAID REPRISALS

LONDON, Oct. 4. The Times, says that the announcement on the strength of the Prime /Minister's roadside remark that the Government has deGided on air reprisals is somewhat misleading. That there is no sudden change of policy is apparent. Delay has been caused; by the. necessities of construction for the requirements of the army. Construction has, however, reached a point at which reprisals can be undertaken without interfering with, army supplies. The reorganisation of the air service has been long considered. Projected reforms will settle the Government policy without regard to the result of recent raids, nor with a desire to triumph over the sentimental objections to aerial off en's sives. The whole question is the se- | lection of the best objects for attack to gain a military victory, namely, attacks on Germany and an extension of the I operations which have long been carried | iout behind tho German lines. General Smuts has been engaged on behalf of the Cabinet in supervising the progress ! of war aviation. Steel helmets were issued to-day to London's 20,000 volunteer police, citizens above the military age who are uniformed and turn out for street duty twice weekly, also during every air raid. They issue warnings and help civilians to take cover. The most dangerous duty is periormed heroically and ungrudgingly. Thou- average duty during the * past week has been 34 hours, ; during 11 of which they were exposed to enemy bombs and the falling shrapnel | of the anti-aircraft hai-ratce. _ Many lives f have been saved ami panics obviated > by their timely action. Children especiJ ally have been safeguarded. In addition [ the citizen police have worked hundreds ! of ambulances, and organised salvage I corps. They have ~taken charge of ' damaged and" falling buildings, and or- , ganisd observation posts. they | have surrounded the city and spotted [ German aircraft. Many thieves and 1 pickpockets have been arrested in the underground shelters.