NAZI AIR ARMADA

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23880, 3 February 1941, Page 8

NAZI AIR ARMADA

AVAILABLE MACHINES ATTACK ON BRITAIN ONLY 6000 AT ONE TIME By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright (.Received February 2, p.m.) LONDON, Feb. 1 Describing as nonsensical American estimates of German air strength amounting to 70 y fi0<) military aircraft, the Sunday Times' aeronautical correspondent analysed the German air force's likely striking power. He concluded that even if German warplanes to-day totalled 40,000 only about 9000 could be. combat machines capable of operating at any given moment. This number, of which half would be bombers, could bo used against Britain only if Germany were free from all other commitments and able to concentrate the entire force on a single blow. But. she did not dare to risk withdrawing aeroplanes from Poland, Italy and the Balkans. Therefore sho would bo lucky if -she could launch an attack with 6000 aeroplanes. The correspondent estimated the German air force's total strength at 24,000 first-line machines, behind which lay a reserve pool and unfinished machines, "and also about 5000 training aircraft, making an absolute grand total of 10,000." Against these must be set. likely total losses since the outbreak of war of 21.000 —0000 confirmed victories, plus accidents, unrecorded victories and naming losses. Germany was now estimated to be building 1400 to 1600 firstline machines monthly, and had thus constructed about the same number as she had lost. Therefore the force had not expanded. This was supported by the tact that Germany did not use more than 2500 aeroplanes on any one day, even during the worst periods of the concentrated air attacks. AMERICAN PRODUCTION "INDUSTRIAL MIRACLE" OUTPUT IN NEXT 18 MONTHS (Received February 2, 7.5 p.m.) NEW YORK, Feb. 1 "The American aircraft industry's output in the next 18 months will be an industrial miracle." said Colonel John Jouett. president of the Aeronautical Chamber of Commerce of America. The industry would produce at an annual rate of 24,000 aeroplanes by the end of 1941, and at an annual rate of MO.OOO six months later. At this rate, if Britain could receive the entire output of the American industry, she should, with her own production, far outstrip the Axis within the next six or eight months. Colonel Jouett said that so far 400 American bombers had been flown to England without loss. A spokesman stated that Mr. Henry Ford was ready to produce anything the Government needed lor defence without profit, provided other manufacturers would do likewise. He reiterated that Mr. Ford would not accept contracts containing a clause specifying compliance with the labour laws. Mr. Edward Stettinius, of the Defence Priority Board, announced that machine tool manufacturers had been asked to deliver onlv to customers who possess priority rating after February 28. MR. MENZIES' MISSION VISIT TO AMERICA LIKELY TWO-WAY WIRELESS SERVICE MELBOURNE, Jan. 31 While no definite plans have yet been made, it is almost certain that the Prime Minister, Mr. Menzies, after his mission to Great Britain is completed, will return to Australia by way of the | United States. If he does, Mr. Men- j zics will discuss matters of common interest to Australia and the United States with President Roosevelt and high American officials. Among subjects likely to be discussed would bo the request by the United States for the establishment of a twoway wireless service with Australia. The request is being strongly pressed by the. American Government because, after discussions with Amalgamated Wireless (Australasia), Limited, the Radio Corporation of America established a high-powered radio station in California to communicate with Australia. The station lias not been used because the Federal Govornment has declined to grant a licence to Amalgamated Wireless to conduct a reciprocal service ii) the Commonwealth. Another likely subject for discussion would be the granting of facilities, including bases, for extensions of the American Clipper service to the Commonwealth. i WOMEN RELEASED LONDON, Jan. 31 The international Red Cross at j Geneva lias announced that 1000 British women, children and elderly men have been released from the Besancon concentration camp in France. The release of another 000 is expected.