SUMMARY OF WAR

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21051, 1 March 1940, Page 7

SUMMARY OF WAR

FIRST SIX MONTHS ADVANTAGE WITH ALLIES AIR AND SEA SUCCESS (Omclal Wireless) (Received March 1, 11.5 a.m.) RUGBY, Feb. 29 On Sunday Britain has been at war with Germany for six months. The first few days even saw dramatic events on sea and in the air, and it is in those two elements that in the intervening months the struggle has been mainly pursued. Mr Winston Churchill’s speech on the Navy Estimates on Tuesday showed how successfully the Royal Navy has coped with the situation, the only surprises in which have been the new illegalities practised by the enemy. The activities of the German and British Air Forces have followed different lines. Increasingly the German air effort is directed against British and neutral shipping, with results which drew from Mr Chamberlain that remark that such practices are “not war but murder.” The Royal Air Force, on the other hand, has maintained established patrol work in the North Sea and reconnaissance activities directed against the enemy naval and military objectives. The British long-distance reconnaissance flights into the German Reich lately have included Austria and Bohemia. Germany’s Long-term Plan As with the magnetic mine—now known to have been in secret preparation for years to attack Britain's lifeline—Germany’s air attacks on shipping are apparently part of a long-term plan, the essence of which seems to be to strike at Britain in a way in which Germany cannot well be struck back at in return, and to refrain from measures which would invite immediate and overwhelming counter-attacks. It is considered here that Lord Chatfleld’s recent assertion that Britain’s air strength will be brought into play at the right instant may well have dispelled any German hope of success in such a plan. "The Allies’ growing air ascendancy, backed by the great Dominion air training scheme, is bringing nearer the time when that declaration may be put to proof. Well-informed commentators note that after a short period of comparative immunity from loss there has recently been a rise in the casualties inflicted on raiding German aircraft. As the new defensive measures become effective the loss factor suffered by Germany may be expected to increase. German Raiders Shot Down It is interesting to note that an analysis of German aircraft known to have been shot down in raids on Britain shows that by far the largest proportion fell to the guns of Royal Air Force fighters. The majority came down in the sea off the British coasts—only four on British soil. Several are now definitely known to have fallen in neutral countries after an engagement with the British air defences. Experts here emphasise that the air war is being fought on drawing boards and in design shops no less than in the sky. In this respect the Allies have greater facilities for the i manufacture and purchase of adj vanced types. Also, since Britain and France started serious air rearmament long after Germany’s bombing fleets were already built, what they lacked in numbers at the outbreak of the war they have gained in modernity of design. But design marches on. Already crack fighters and bombers in the service. of both sides are rendered obsolescent by the newer types of stocks. Details of the new British types may not be disclosed, but it is no* secret that the demand for still higher speeds, greater fire power and increased range have been most successfully met in both defence and counter-offensive aircraft. Improvement in Planes It is true that Germany, faced with the growing obsolescence of thousands of aircraft which so far have been used only as threats, is making strenuous efforts to keep abreast of design. The new Heinkels are said to be fitted with a new type of Daimler-Benz. Motors of a total output of 4500 horse-power, giving a top speed of 350 miles an hour, are spoken of. But is is confidently stated by British experts that just as the Vickers Spitfires and Hawker Hurricanes have mastered the existing Heinkels and Dorniers British designers will have an answer to any new German types. Thus the second six months of the war are likely to prove even more favourable to the Allies in the air than the six months now ended. SUPREME WAR COUNCIL POSITION OF POLAND OFFICER TO COLLABORATE | united Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, Feb. 28 The Foreign Under-Secretary, Mr R. A. Butler, in the House of Commons today was asked whether the Polish Government would participate in meetings of the Supreme War Council. In reply he said it had been agreed that a Polish officer should be appointed to collaborate with the ap- ; propriate British and French military authorities when questions affecting j the employment of Polish forces were ! under consideration. Rationing of bread will be introduced in Spain on March 1. in order I to avoid unjustified queues. The number of motor vehicles registered for the first time in Britain in January was 11,746, compared with 40,001 in January, 1930.