The Daily Alaska empire., 1941-09-11
DEFENSE LESSON

If there ever any doubt that Alaska and the Pacific Coast of North America is wide open to aerial attack those doubts must have been dspelled last week when the Russian military mission landed at Nome. with no apparent warning that any such flight on its way.
 Fortunately the planes friendly mis- sion. If, on the other hand, the Russians could have entertained any ideas of trying the trip to see just how easy it would be to swoop down on an Alaska city without military challenge. they might take home a gratifying story about the ease with which such stunt may be accomplished %s Of course at the moment, we are on friendly terms with the Soviet state. After the peaceable demonstration of week ago Sunday, it is certainly to be hoped that before many moons have passed Alaska will be in better position to resist attack by air, or at least know planes are headed our way. In view of this situation, it is certainly comfort ing right now to know we assisting rather than opposing the Red forces and the news of the last few days concerning split between the Nippons and their pal Adolf also must come bit of re- lief for Alaskans.
 Pointing out the significance of the Russian flight the Seattle Post-nteigencer last week had the following to say:
 There is a lesson in defense in the heralded arrival of two huge Russian flying boats at Nome, Alaska.
 "Fortunately the AT Soviet technicians enroute from Moscow to Washington, D. c, are on a friendly mission. Their journey has to do with the common cause against the Axis aggressors.
 But
 If two planes carrying AT men can make the 60O0-mile flight from Moscow and drop unexpectedly out of a clear sky onto the roadstead at Nome, 20 flying boats carrying 470 men-or, for that matter, 200 planes bearing 4,7O0-can make the same secret flight.
 And if the Russians can do it, there is no earthly reason, if Moscow should fall why Hiter's luftwaffe-or the planes of his Japanese partner-could not undetected make similar flight in great force across the Arctic wastes and attack even capture Alaskan base.
 Then indeed would war be at door and the threat of aerial attack on this and other Northwest cities become real and not fancied
 Giant long-range flying boats-happiy those of a friendly power-reached an out post of our defense system. They were within flying-dstance if you please, of Seattle
 Thus is answered the scoffing of those who have bandly asserted that an aerial ven- ture against the Pacific Coast is not feasible
 Thus is exemplified the need for strong even stronger-defenses in Alaska and the Pacific. ~ 4~ %
 "Fortunately the federal government is alive to the dangers of the situation. Both the army and the navy have been diligently engaged in building up our defenses in the northern territory and elsewhere in the Pacific.
 There must be no lag in this work
 Tt is not alone the task of the army and the navy.
 "As President Roosevelt pointed out in his Labor Day address, the task is also that of the workman in the shop, the executive in his office the producer on the farm. All have vital part.
 Greater toll, more production are nec- essary NOW, not only to arm and supply our own forces but to provide material aid to those already engaged in opposing the ag- gressors on the battle fields of Europe and Asia
 There is no time to lose.
 For today may be later than we think"