RECENT GERMAN CRIME.

Colonist, Volume LXI, Issue 14958, 4 January 1919, Page 2

RECENT GERMAN CRIME.

SWISS BALLOON SHOT DOWN

A new German outrage, so wanton and purposeless that but for tho numberless atrocities already committed by the enemy it would be almost incredible, was recently reported from Switzerland, i Telegraphing from Geneva, Router's correspondent stated:— "The newspapers announce that a German aeroplane attacked with a machine gun a Swiss captive balloon stationed between Miecourt and CornoJ. The balloon caught fire and fell some yards from the frontier. The lieutenant who was in the balloon was burned to death. The balloon, which was stationed at Miecourt, had on board FlightLieutenant Walter Flury, of Soleure. It carried all the necessary distinguishing feigns—two large Swiss flags and two Federal crosses painted on the outside. About 25 minutes to 10 in the morning two aeroplanes were seen' coming from the east and keeping along the frontier. At the same moment the observer gave the signal to lower the balloon, which was immediately done. Meanwhile, one ot" the aeroplanes, which clearly ibore the German distinguishing signs, circled several times above the descending balloon. When the latter had heen lowered to within 800 metres (about 2500 ft) of the ground, the German airman discharged salvoes of machine-gun fire, dropped a bomb or a similar object, and made off in a northerly direction. Tho balloon suddenly burst into flames and( [Crashed to the ground. The observer's! charred body -was afterwards recovered. Immediately on receiving the news the I Gorman Minister visited the President of the Confederation, and expressed deep regret at what had taken place. He [ likewise gave an assurance that the German authorities would immediately open an inquiry with a view to establishing responsibility for Shis crime nnd of punishing the guilty party."