Evening star., 1939-12-13
Plane Patrol Is Used
By British in Fight
On Nazi Mines
Night Flights Are Made
Over Bases to Head OFF
Germun Aircraft
BY the Associated Press

BY the Associated Press.
LONDON. Dec. l3.-British war
planes trying a new method to head
off German mine-laying planes, were
officially reported today to have
| made preventive flights last night
over four of the Reich's main North
Sea bases
The air ministry announced aerial
security patrols" were carried out
over the seaplane bases at the Is
lands of Sylt. Borkum and Nor
derney,'' in addition to Helgoland,
Germany's island fortress.
The patrols were designed ito in
terrupt activities of mine laying air.
craft" the ministry said. reporting
that despite considerable anti-air-
craft opposition, the operations were
successfully performed
Indicating the system might be-
come general, a ministry spokesman
said there was obviously a lot be-
hind it. but that the press must
draw it's own conclusions.
Aside from a brief communique
reporting that the patrols were con
tinuously maintained the ministry
declined to supply details.
German Radio OFF Air.
British radio listeners saw in the
air ministry communique a possible
explanation for sudden cessation OF
bl oadcasting by Bremen and Ham,
burg radio stations last night.
They faced out during programs
of English news bulletins and re-
manned silent until early this morn
.ng. Planes could orient them
selves by picking up a radio sta
tons broadcasts.
Aviation sources said the British
planes acted as ''watchdogs" to pre-
vent German mine-laying planes
from taking off, the idea being to
nip mine-laying at the source.
One aviation expert said the patrol
planes probably were long-range
reconnaissance fighters. There was
no indication whether the patrol
dropped bombs or met resistance.
The air ministry used the ex-
preston security patrol" for the
first time.
It's reference to a continuous pa
troll was interpreted as meaning that
planes were sent over in waves so
that some always were on guard.
To Reveal Russian Talks.
Prime Minister Chamberlain told
the House of Commons a white
paper will be issued outlining the
negotiations with Soviet Russia ear
lier this year, in which Britain and
France tried unsuccessfully to bring
Russia into a front against Ger
many. Mr.. Chamberlain said For
eign Secretary Lord Halifax was
having the paper prepared.
Air Minister Sir Kingsley Wood
said licenses had been granted a
British firm to export planes to
Finland after consideration of all
facts" He did not agree with a
questioner that planes were badly
needed supplies at home"
The air minister refrained from
replying to question whether
there was danger of getting the
country involved in another war
at the same time" by supplying Fin
land aircraft.
Secret Session of Commons.
Meanwhile, guards were selected
and soundproof doors installed in
the House of Commons for a secret
debate today on munitions and other
war supplies.
Even the attendants who stoke
the open fires in the lcbbies were
excluded, the fire-keeping being left
to assistant sergeants-at-arms.
Although members were forbidden
to discuss proceedings with any one,
sources close to the leaders said no
important disclosures were expected
at the one-day session.
David Lloyd George, who had a
prominent role in stepping-up Brit
aims munitions production as Prime
Minister during the World War, took
the part of the opposition in to-
days arguments.
Effort Greatest in History"
Edward Leslie Burgin, minister Of
supply, indicated his line Of argu-