Page 202
Page 202
90
AIRCRAFT:
The prosent strength of the German Air
Force is estimated to be:-
186
Page 202
Type of Aircraft.
Operational
Total strength
strength.
Reserve.
including reserve.
Bomber reconnaissance)
Bomber L. R.
nce):
2,600
2,830
5,430
Dive Bombers.
500
1,035
1,535
Fighters
1,500
1,943
3,443
Army co-operation
400
108
508
Coastal
350
380
730
Total
5,350
6,296
11,646
E
Bomber transport
500
Nil
500
10.
It is estimated that the German factories are now turning out approximately 1,250 aircraft per month. It is possible that this rate of production may increase in future months depending on the supply of material.
HOME FRONT.
Industrial raw materials.
11.
Coal: Output is somewhat belo pre-war in Greater Germany. Acquisition in Holland and to a less extent in Belgium. Apparently no shortage of coal or coke but doubt as to stocks for next winter. Appears to be supplying all Italy's Lupeds.
12.
Steel: Production has been running at about 4/5th of the peace time rate since early April. This production is adequate for the present scale of hostilities if it can be maintained, but it involves (a) reduction of civil and export production to a very low level compared with the pre-war standard, and, (b) reduction of stocks of ore and scrap to a very low level. The present output is only maintainable if the port of Lulea remains open; and it will be impossible to set up stocks of high grade Swedish ore against the winter. Probably, however, a very large amount of scrap will be obtained from occupied territory and especially from France. The probable German acquisition of Lorraine will render it in the near future impossible to affect the German steel position by economic pressure alone.
13.
Copper: There is not likely to be a serious shortage before the middle of 1941. The importance of occupied territory (scrap) and the Orkla mines (Norway) should be noted.
14.
Tin: Seriously short, but by capture and the substitution of silver, Germany should be able to secure the minimum stocks necessary to enable her to carry on for the rest of the summer.
-5m
Page 202
Page 202
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.