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DRAFT REPLY TO SIR AUCKLAND GEDDES' LETTER.
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1.
It is incorrect to say that consideration had not been given to the employment of barrage fire or more correctly to methods of fire for engaging the unseen target.
Until recently the technique of such methods gave little promise of material results, but the moral effect had alway been reSognised; in fact, since the last war. In their practical application the difficulty lay in distinguishing between friend and foe and it was clearly desirable to give all possible scope to interception by our own fighter aircraft. Experience has shown that the problem of such interception is a difficult one, and for this reason more latitude is now being given to the guns.
With the improved technical procedure which is in process of development, it should be possible not only to maintain public morale but to inflict a fair proportion of casualties on the enemy.
2.
Again it is incorrect to say that no allowance was made in pre-war planning for the defence of aerodromes and of the Field Force. These requirements have been taken into consideration from the inception of AA. planning. The fact that A.A. guns, etc. have not been provided, or only so on a small scale, is purely a question of shortage of equipments and the necessity for utilizing existing resources in more important directions.
3.
The resources are concentrated in the defence of towns whose industry is vital to the war potential. In consequence there are many centres of population, the protection of which must rest with the general air defence system, backed up by visits of the mobile circuses of A.A. guns and possibly by the allocation of rocket projectors when available.
Owing to the difficulty of providing A.A. defences for such places it has been constantly urged in the past, that a well-developed A. R. P. organisation is essential, particularly on the lines of the provision of underground cover for essential services.
4.
The idea of a mobile circus is not a new one. Indeed on no less than five occasions mobile batteries have been given a roving role with the object of maintaining morale in areas subjected to attack.
The operation of these mobile circuses has, however, not been attended by success, owing to the impossibility of forecasting the points at which the enemy will develop future attacks.
While their removal invariably gives rise to local opposition and constant discontent, experiences in South coast towns clearly justify another attempt being made and steps have been taken accordingly, It is hoped that Regional Commissioners would help in making clear the nature of an AA. Sircus¤and the case for it moving about rather than of establishing a permanent defence.
5.
Generally speaking, most of the criticims arise from a misapprehension as to the resources we have available. It is unfair to suggest that the staffs concerned have not appreciated these points. The implications have been
realised from the outset.
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