MASS FLIGHTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23882, 9 August 1939, Page 9

MASS FLIGHTS

THE AXIS POWERS BLOCK MEDITERRANEAN ITALIAN STAFFS BELIEF LONDON, Aug. 2. Mass flights by 408 Italian warplanes, which the Italian newspapers compare with the Royal Air Force flights over France, have been officially announced in Rome. They were carried out between July 25 and 28, and included manoeuvres from air bases in Sardinia. Sicily, Apulia and Libya and the Dodecanese Islands. A total of 187 POO miles was flown without accident. Inspired newspaper commentators sav that the manoeuvres prove that Mediterranean traffic will be possible only with Italy's consent. Italy's Air-Sea Test It has now been disclosed, the Rome correspondent of The Times states, that the large-scale training of the Italian Air Force was carried out in conjunction with the most important naval manoeuvres in recent years. The greater part of the Italian fleet, including submarines, participated, and the exercises lasted the whole of last week. The area was bounded by Sicily, Sardinia, Libya and the Dodecanese Islands. It is officially stated, the correspondent adds, that thev showed high efficiency, and a close aerial and naval understanding. The objectives of the manoeuvres have not been divulged the Rome correspondent of the Daily Telegraph, savs. but Italian staff officers are convinced that the result of them is that Italy can block any potential enemy in the Mediterranean. German and Spanish missions were the only foreign witnesses. German Bomber's Record Following the Italian mass flights in the Mediterranean area. many announces that Britain's longdistance achievements have bpen answered, a message from Berlin states. Thr> official news aeency declares: "A Junkers twin-engined bomber carrying a load of two tons, flew 1250 miles at an average speed of 311 miles an hour. Italy prpviouslv held the record with a speed of 292 an hour. "While some foreign newspapers make a fuss about the flights of those anxious to encircle Germany, our Air Force calmly continues building up an imposing series of records in the air. " The record-breaking Junkers was not specially built, but was taken from a series in production. Its sneed is faster than that of most pursuit aeroplanes."