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Bulgaria.

54. There is evidence that preparations have been made for some time past for the location of German aircraft in Bulgaria to form a forward line of air defence for the Roumanian oil fields. It is also believed that listening and observation posts are being organised at Plovdiv, in Southern Bulgaria, and at Lom, in the north-west corner of the country.

55. A large uniformed detachment of German officers and men which is touring the country has called for some comment. The official explanation of their presence is that they belong to the German Press and Propaganda Service sent to make films of Southern Dobrudja. It is also reported that special police permits to tour southern Bulgaria have been given to certain German and Italian "merchants," who actually are Air Force officers.

Turkey.

56. An acute shortage of lubricating oil threatens drastically to restrict the activities of the Turkish Air Force.

Japan.

57. When the air member of the Thai Mission to Japan visited the naval aerodrome at Yokosuka he received a very poor impression of the performance of Japanese aircraft, which he considered obsolete according to Western standards. The report does not indicate what types he saw, but it is likely that they included the latest types of fighters and bombers in general service with the Japanese Naval Air Force. The opinion of this officer is considered reliable.

58. In view of the propaganda value, as well as the target offered by the congestion likely on the opening of the Road, it is possible that the Japanese will attempt to start bombing the Burma Road at once. It is, however, unlikely that intensive and sustained attacks can begin for another week.

French West Africa.

59. Fifteen military aircraft (type not known, but probably modern bombers) arrived at Dakar on the 12th October from Morocco, bringing the Air Force units in Senegal to a minimum total of about 90 aircraft. A report has also been received that it is intended to transport troops by air from Morocco to Senegal.

Since the Dakar operation French aircraft in Senegal have been used extensively for reconnaissance purposes. On the 7th October it was stated that since the 25th September repeated reconnaissances had been undertaken by French aircraft over Gambia, while on the 9th October reconnaissances were described as having been conducted on seven occasions since the 28th September over Freetown harbour and aerodromes in Sierra Leone. There are indications that the Dakar-Natal air service is to be reopened.

French Equatorial Africa.

60.

On the 12th October one French bomber flew over the town of Duala, dropping anti-British leaflets, which are described as being couched in violent terms. This aircraft must be presumed to have been operating from Togoland, Niger, or Dahomey. Its presence at Duala suggests that Niamey may have been reinforced with modern aircraft from Algeria.

General.

HOME SECURITY SITUATION.

61. The force and extent of enemy air activity over this country is summarised under Air Situation.

Damage.

Aerodromes.

62. Attacks were made on aerodromes every day and night except the 13th, but damage was negligible except at Milton (Carew Cheriton) where a hangar was seriously damaged and a number of huts demolished.

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