DR ECKENER GIVES IMPORTANT FACTS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19201, 15 October 1930, Page 1

DR ECKENER GIVES IMPORTANT FACTS.

RlOl DISASTER MAY HAVE BEEN DUE TO WEATHER

(United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph*—-Copy right.) RUGBY, October 13. An important statement concerning he very rapid barometric changes irhich took place during the night on which RlOl was wrecked has been made by Dr Eckener, commander of the Graf Zeppelin, in an interview in “The Times.” The Zeppelin, he said, also made a short voyage in the early morning of October 5. When she landed at Zurich, after a flight of only four hours, her altimeter showed a height of 400 feet though actually she was at ground level. In his thirty years of airship operation, said Dr Eckener, he had never known an area of low pressure come in with such astonishing rapidity. Dr Eckener indicated his intention of giving the Air Ministry a detailed report of hs experiences. Thanks Expressed. The Prime Minister, in a telegram to Dr Eckener has thanked him, and through him the German nation, for the deep sympathy extended in connection with the disaster of RlOl. “The presence of yourself and Captain von Schiller at the ceremonies in London and Bedford was clear proof of the bond which unites airmen of all countries.” Dr Eckener, who attended the funeral of the victims of RlOl, on Saturday, as the official representative of Germany left Croydon for Germany by aeroplane this afternoon. Before leaving, he called at the Air Ministry where he was received by the Undersecretary for Air, Mr F. Montague, and Air Vice-Marshal 11. T. C. Dowrling, member of the Air Council for supply and research. The Survivors. Arrangements have been made for the three survivors of RlOl who are still in Beauvais hospital to be brought to London by an Imperial Airways liner on Wednesday. Frenchmen Honoured. The Paris correspondent of the “Daily Mail” states that the King has conferred a knighthood on M. Laurent Eynac, French Air Minister, in appreciation of his services in connection with the RIOT disaster. The Government are considering the most suitable manner in which to recognise the signal services of the French local population of Beauvais.