Evening star., 1916-01-03
Alberto Santos-Dumont Dis
cusses Topic Before Pan
American Sections.
AER0PlANE AS FACTOR
IN DEFENSE MEASURES
Noted Brazilian Aviator Shows How
the Americas May Be Protected
Against Invader.

time killing speed, will become prime
factor in cementing. the repuoilcs OF
the Americas into firm union OF
friendship, according to the noted
Brazilian aviator, Alberto Santos-Du-
mont. who spoke before the JOINT pam
American sections on transportation
and engineering. in the small ballroom
of the New Willard Hotel today. The
idea was set forth that inasmuch as
fast steamers have already done much
to bring together the countries above
and below the equator. just so wouio
the enormous airships of the next rev
years strengthen that bond. if the idea
is properly developed. The meeting was
looked upon as one of the most I'M
portant and interesting of all the ses-
sions held so far during the second
Pan-American Scientific Congress. and
the aviator-speaker. who said he was
delivering his maiden speech. was in
terrupted frequently by applause.
Should All Be Friends.
In part he said:
"All European countries are old en-
emies. Here in the new world we
should all be friends. We should he
able. in case of trouble, to intimidate
any European power contemplating
war against any one of US, not by guns
of which we have so few-but by
the strength of our union. In case of
war with any European power, neither
the United States nor the great South
American countries could, under pres
ent conditions. adequately protect their
extensive coasts. 1t would be impos-
sible to patrol the shore of Brazil and
Argentina with seagoing fleet. Only
a fleet of great aeroplanes flying 200
kilometers an hour could patrol these
long coasts.
Scouting aeroplanes could detect the
approach of hostile fleets and warn
their own battleships for action. One
of the most powerful means of protec-
tion would be in such squadrons of
aeroplanes, owned by the governments
of the United States and the various
South American countries. In case of
war these aeroplane fleets would 4en-
able the United States and the various
as allies in protecting their coast lines.
Am I speaking of an impossibility?
Remember that ten years ago, when
/ came to the United States with my
would talk seriously about aerial navi-
cation We now see what the aero
plane does in Europe. in taking observa-
tions. directing battles and the move
ments of troops, in attacking the
enemy, and in the protection of coasts.
SlOSS ASSOC1dClOu necessary.
Close association is necessary for the
development of mutual understanding
and friendship. between nations as well
as human beings. Having already at
tained speed FIVE to ten times that of
the fastest steamboat, the aeroplane, as
soon IS motors are improved, will un-
doubtediy bring the two continents
closer. and thus effect an indissoluble al
lance. With record now of over 200
kilometers an hour, believe that with
In a few years the aeroplane will make
three to four hundred kilometers an hour.
This would bring the most distant places
in South America within one or two days
Journey from New York.
Up to the present, time and distance
have separated the Americas In the
ancient days, when there were no
means of communication between the
small states and tribes of Europe, en-
mites and racial hatreds were born
and fostered by wars which have sur
vived the centuries and which, develop
Ing through the generations, have
! found their most terrible climax in the
means of the aeroplane. the barrier of
. distance and lack of communication
between the United States and South
america. which SO often develops into
overcome. with the result that for all
future time the nations of the new
world may abide in cordial and CO.
operating concord Lack of commune
cation in the old days is the basic cause
of a disunited and fighting Europe. Let
US hope aerial navigation will effect
permanently united and friendly Amer
fca."
Continuing, the speaker said
For the greater development and
strength of the countries of this hemi-
sphere, a closer association. closer
interchange of views and better facili-
ties for communication and trading re-
lations are vitality necessary. Who
knows when some European power
may menace an American state? Who
can tell if, in the aftermath of the pres
ent European war. some power maS-fiot
reach out to grasp territory in South
America? Is war between the United
States and European power to be
regarded as absolutely improbable? A
more firmly knit alliance between the
United States and her southern neigh
bors would mean a greater and more
formidable strength.
Difficulties About Overcome.