BALLOONS LAND IN AMERICA

Southland Times, Issue 25680, 24 May 1945, Page 5

BALLOONS LAND IN AMERICA

New Weapon Used By Japanese

(Rec. 8 p.m.) WASHINGTON, May 22. Japanese long-range balloons have made sporadic attacks on the western part of. North America in the past few months, says an Army and Navy statement. Some of the balloons are known to have landed or dropped explosives in isolated localities without damage to property. This disclosure has been made so that public safety campaigns can be undertaken to prevent possible injury from the balloons. There is the possibility that unexploded bombs may be found in isolated spots, concealed in wooded areas or buried beneath melting 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 chances of any given place being hit is one in many millions. The enemy would like to know the exact time the balloons arrived in the locality and their effect, thus allowing him to evaluate the results of his fantastic effort and possibly correct his methods. Such information will be kept from the enemy if possible. SMALL BOMBS 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 bee controlled. The Canadian Press says that 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 at extreme heights eastward at approximately 80 miles an hour with the revolution of the earth. The balloons are cheaply manufactured, and it is estimated that it would be possible to produce 500 for the cost of one light aeroplane.