BOMBING AND INVASION

New Zealand Herald, Volume 79, Issue 24270, 11 May 1942, Page 4

BOMBING AND INVASION

"Britain plans to smash the German air force and then invade the Continent." In thiß one sentence the Air Minister, Sir Archibald Sinclair, has answered two questions widely ourrent in Great Britain and elsewhere. The air offensive alone is not expected to force a decision in the war against Germany. It is to be but the prelude to other operations. From that aspect, Sir Archibald Sinclair's description of the offensive as the Battle of Britain in reverse is a just one. When the Luftwaffe was let loose on the British Isles in the autumn of 1940 the objective was to destroy completely, or immobilise effectively, the Royal Air Force.- Success in that enterprise would undoubtedly have been followed by a full-scale attempt at invasion. By virtue of the technical efficiency, heroism and incomparable fighting spirit of the Roy&l Air Force the Luftwaffe was beaten off, and the invasion plans were shattered. The same strategic plan is now to be employed—indeed is in operation—against the enemy. First, air superiority, then attack with all arms, is the programme. The ring of confidence in the words Sir Archibald Sinclair uses will have a heartening effect throughout the ranks of the United Nations. It is eloquent of the rising spirit of the offensive which permeates all those engaged in the struggle against the dark forces which have Europe in their grip, that spirit which in the end will conquer.