LOSSES IN AIR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23505, 16 November 1939, Page 9

LOSSES IN AIR

GEEMAN PROPAGANDA AMBITIOUS CLAIM SCOUTED USUAL MISREPRESENTATION British "Wirelessi LONDON, Nov. 14 The claim circulating through German news channels putting Allied losses in the air war at 80 aeroplanes is scouted in London. It is suggested that the measure of its accuracy is to be found in the accompanying statement that the German losses are only 17. In fact 17 Gorman aircraft have been brought clown on or near the British coasts alone—ls by other aircraft and two by anti-aircraft gunfire. The G"erinan statement, therefore, conveniently neglects all other German losses in the air since the war began. While official quarters are not to be drawn into denials affording disclosure of the actual Allied losses, which, no doubt, is one of the purposes of this characteristic Nazi misrepresentation, there is some comment among wellinformed observers on one feature of the German stories which represents that the proportion of British and French losses within . tho imaginary total mentioned is 16 and 64 respectively. " It is believed that the object is to create the impression that Britain is leaving the air battles to France, in accordance with the persistent and rather obvious Nazi efforts to drive a wedge between the Allies. This particular attempt takes on a somewhat forlorn aspect when it is regarded against tho background of the actual achievements of the Royal Air Force in France, and its almost daily reconnaissance flights over large areas of Germany.

Incidentally, British losses on these reconnaissance flights had been remarkably few in proportion to the distance covered and the tasks accomplished—a fact that speaks highly both for the skill of the pilots and the quality of the aircraft. In contradiction of implications of inaccurate figures put about by the Nazis it can be stated that the British and French Air Forces are doing their full share in the mutually agreed spheres. •

TRAINING^ILOTS EMPIRE AIR SCHEME SATISFACTORY PROGRESS OFFICIAL STATEMENT MADE (Received November 25, .7.30 p.m.) OTTAWA, Nov. 14 Q The leaders of the British Air Mission, Lord Riverdale and Captain H. H. Balfour, conferred with the Prime Minister, Mr. Mackenzie King and issued a joint statement that the British and Canadian Governments are "entirely satisfied with the progress being made with tho air training scheme."

Plans for n general formal air conference are still bold in abeyance, but the Australian and New Zealand dolegates informed blio correspondent of the Australian Associated Press that the four Governments would, however, "get together as soon as possible."

UNIQUE CEREMONY MINISTER SWORN IN (Received Novumber 15, 5.5 p.m.) British Wireless Nov. 14 A ceremony unprecedented in the Empire's history took place at Government Houso ir. Ottawa to-day when the Governor-General, Lord Tweedsmuir, swore in a« Air Minister in the Australian Federal Government Mr. J. V. Fairbaiin, who is at present in Canada as head of the Australian mission in connection, with the Empire air training scheme. This is the first time the Governor-General of one Dominion has given the oath,to the Minister of another Dominion.

BERLIN HEARS GUNFIRE BERLIN, Nov. 14 Gunfire was audible in Berlin for 15 minutes this afternoon. No details are available.