The Aeroplane Danger

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 29, Issue 33, 1 May 1917, Page 5

The Aeroplane Danger

The rapid advance in the development of the Aeroplane has given rise to another after-war problem. This question is ducussed in the first number of Flying, a new London paper. In bis article “Aircraftsman” realises that an improper use of aircraft will make life unendurable, and that no nation will feel safe from a su prise attack which has for its object the wiping out of towns the annihilation of their populations. Such a contingency comes well within the scope of any Power which has the means and the will to do it, and the Germans, we kaow, would do it to-morrow if they had men and machines enough. Let there be no mistake on this point. And let us not forget that, unlike armies and navies, which require time to mobilise, tens of thousands of aeroplanes can be got ready to strike in a few minutes. In view of this grave disadvantage -vital and decisive as it may be —tne writer asks what will be the attitude of the various Governments towards aircraft when peace comes. Will they have private flying, or restrict the use of aeroplanes for military purposes, and so put the brake on developments which might be turned to national advantage ?