SPORADIC ATTACKS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25852, 24 May 1945, Page 5

SPORADIC ATTACKS

LONG-RANGE BALLOONS WEST COAST OF AMERICA (Rec. 7 p.m.) WASHINGTON, May 22. Japanese long-range balloons made sporadic attacks against the western part of North America in the past months, says an Army and Navy Department statement. Some of the balloons are known to have landed or to have dropped explosives in isolated localities without damage to property. The disclosure has been made so that public safety campaigns can be undertaken to prevent possible injury from the balloons. There is a possibility that unexploded bombs may •be found in isolated spots, concealed ■wooded areas, or buried beneath meltirfg snow. The statement points out that the balloon attacks are so scattered and aimless that they do not constitute a military threat, and should not be viewed with alarm. The chance of any given place being hit is one in many millions. The enemy would like to know the exact time the balloons arrived, the locality, and their effect, thus allowing him to evaluate the results of his fantastic effort and possibly to correct his methods. Such information will be kept from the enemy if possible. The balloons carry a few small bombs, the main purpose of which is believed to be to start forest fires. The balloons are not manned and cannot be controlled. The Canadian press says Japanese paper balloons 33 feet in diameter have been landing in various parts of Western Canada in the past few months. It is believed that the balloons, which were not manned, travelled to the east at extreme heights at approximately 80 miles per hour with the revolution of the earth. The balloons are cheaply manufactured, and it is estimated that it is possible to produce 800 for the cost of one light aeroplane.