CAB38-23 — Page 153

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14 (a). The evidence for this visit seems to be of a very flimsy

character.

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13. German Naval Airship Station at Cuxhaven. Attention is called to the following extract from foreign naval notes of 18th December, 1912 :-

"Naval Airship Station near Cuxhaven.

"It is stated that the Naval authorities have made "considerable purchases of land near Cuxhaven, and "that this is the land for providing accommodation for aircraft and for aeronautical training and exer-

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cises,' for which a first instalment of 7,3381. was "inserted in the supplementary estimates 1912–13.

Total cost 78,2781.

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'The area acquired is about 2,223 acres, extend- ing from the Ritze butteler Heide far into the "Wurster Heide. A large double revolving airship "hall, to accommodate two Zeppelin airships, is to "he built, for which purpose a sum of 83,1701. will "be required."

"

14. Visit of "Hansa over Sheerness.

"1

One of the pilots of the Bristol and Colonial Aero- plane Company, Mr. E. Harrison, recently visited Farn- borough, and stated that he was in Germany on the night of 13th October, and saw the “Hausa start on a trip, and he stated that everybody knew that she had been over the North Sea. The "Hansa is an older and smaller airship than the German naval airship.

"

It has not been thought advisable to take the matter up closely with Mr. E. Harrison, but enquiries are being made in other directions to confirm accuracy of this information.

The visit of an airship over Dover is being enquired into. No accurate information has as yet been obtained. Information is to hand that a German agent has been instructed to make some enquiries in this country re the position of oil storage tanks with a view to their attack by aircraft.

15. Use of Aircraft on Enemy's Coast.

Your remarks on this question are very much to the point in dealing with the necessity of using aircraft on enemy's coast.

The Air Department asked for a merchant ship to be attached to the school. This ship was at first approved, but for financial reasons had to be given up.

The Third Sea Lord has under consideration a design of depôt ship for destroyers and submarines that will carry six aeroplanes ready for service and four to six spares.

Her chief features are :—

Oil storage, 5,500 tons.

Six 4-in. anti-aircraft guns.

Powerful wireless telegraphy equipment.

Large supplies of ammunition, spare torpedoes,

stores, &c.

Ample accommodation for spare crews, hospital,

&c.

A ship is badly required for developing aeroplanes for ship work.

A ship loaned for a short time to the Eastchurch School is no use; she must be attached to the school

[359]

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