Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1917-07-05
100000 AEROS TO
FIGHT GERMANY
War Chiefs Consider Plan for I'M
mediate Construction
of Craft.
TO Blind GERMAN ARMIES
France Ready to Cooperate in Train
Ing Americans as Fliers-Wait
for Congress to Provide
the Funds.

Washington.-Secr Baker, Of
fcers Of the War college and Brig.
Gen. George O. Squier, chief signal Of
fcer Of the army, are studying a plan
to strike a telling blow at the German
war machine in France by means of a
tremendous American airplane force
capable Of overwhelming opposing air
craft and "blinding the eyes of the
German armies" The plan, elaborate
but practical in every respect, has pro-
crossed to the point Of exchanges be-
tween the American, British and
French army leaders. The secrecy
which has shrouded it no longer is re-
garded as necessary. In fact, details
of the plan must be made public be-
cause it is up to congress to provide
the necessary funds.
Would Blind Germans.
General Squier, by reason Of his po-
SitiOn as organizer and SO-called man
ager Of the nations future aviation
forces, Is not free to discuss the mat
ter. There is, however, unqueStionable
authority for the statement that he
fndOrSeS the advocacy Of an immedi-
ate and enormous increase of this ma
tons aviation forces for the specific
purpose Of concentrating so many
thousand battle machines on the firing
line that German artillery will be rem
dered sightless. The German military
leaders then would be forced to con-
tinue the fight "blindfolded" against
the allies.
The Importance of this would be ap-
preciated at once, it is asserted, if the
public could see some Of the latest
messages which have come from
French and British strategists now
conducting the war. General Squier
has been making advance preparation
for this contingency for weeks. The
groundwork is laid for putting the &C
tual plan into full operation, and all
that is necessary is for General Squier
to receive word from Secretary Baker
to "go ahead" Before Secretary
Baker can give this authority, con-
gress must pledge the necessary funds,
which are estimated at about $1,000
100000.
The bureau of ordnance of the war
department has received funds Of al
most 81, 500, 100000 for work on heavy
ordnance. This is all-important, but
in the opinion of those interested in
the awaiting program it cannot have a
direct bearing on the war operations
for almost two years. It will be some
time before American troops can be
concentrated to make their presence
felt in the struggle. But an American
aeronautical force, it is said, could
exert a tremendous and perhaps deci-
sive pressure on the actual fighting
within a few months. AS one leading
American army authority phrased it,
"The effect of American aeronautical
forces in Europe would be felt acutely
by Germany within a week after they
reached French soil"
Factories Are Listed.
The first move which General Squier
has completed after weeks of labor
has been to remove in advance all i'm
pedimentS to turning the nations
genius and resources to aviation. Ev-
cry American manufacturer now en-
gagged in aeronautical work has been
sounded out. Every manufacturer Of
engines, automobiles, electrical appli-
ances or what not who could be of as
sistance has been listed, and in thou
sands of cases communicated with.
General Squier has concentrated his
energies not on providing an American
aeronautical force which could hold
its own with the British or French,
but in providing an overwhelming
force completely eclipsing the efforts
of the most progressive of the Euro
pean powers.
Arrangements have been made with
the French government whereby con-
vaiescent American aviators on the fir
ing line will be sent to this country to
act as instructors for others. Advance
arrangements have been made for OBJ
tanning recruits for the aviation forces
later to be concentrated abroad. ely
in France" may be the motto to be
seen on the street cars and billboardS
within the next month or two. ely
for Liberty" "Blindfold the Enemy"
are other slogans.