Evening star., 1945-05-23
33-Ft. Paper Balloon!
Carrying Jap Bombs
To Western j. ).
By the Associated Press.


Japan, gradually being blasted tt
bits by Super Fortresses, is striking
back at the United States with
bombs hitched to big, free-fyine
paper balloons.
So far, however, sporadic attack:
during the past several months have
not caused any property damage
and, in no sense, are the balloon;
considered a military threat" the
Army and Navy said late yesterday
in joint announcement.
1t was the first public disclosure
that the unnamed balloons-waftec
perhaps from submarines or the
Japanese homeland - are hitting
North America aimleSsly. However
the attacks have been an open secret
with many newspapermen and to
hundreds of residents in the West
ern part of the country.
Unexploded Missiles Dangerous.
The balloon bombing was the first
reported japanese attempt to attack
the United States since occasional
submarines and -basec
plane stole up to the West Coast
in 1912 to strike at oil fields and
defense installations.
The wraps were taken off the story
because the two services thought
the public should be warned about
the potential danger of unexploded
bombs dropped by the balloons.
Emphasizing that there is no need
for alarm, the services said they felt
that saving even one American life
through precautionary measures
would more than balance any bene-
fit the japanese might get from
learning simply that the balloons
have reached North America.
The enemy would like to learn
specific details as to the points at
which the balloons landed and the
effect they have had, the Army
and Navy added. but they have no
intention of letting the japanese
find out.
SO Feet Across.
Such information would permit
him to evaluate the result of his
fantastic effort and possibly correct
his methods the joint statement
said. There was no official hint, be-
yond the description ''long-range'
attacks, as to their origin.
About 33 feet in diameter, the
balloons are made of gray. white or
greenish blue paper. They cannot
be controlled.
The chances that any given place
in this country might be hit, the
Army and Navy said, is only one
in many millions"
The bombs, suspended beneath
the paper bags, apparently are de-
signed to set forest or brush fires
Although some OF the balloons have
landed or dropped bombs in isolated
areas, no fires have been started 50
far. The public. however. was
cautioned to be on the alert for
such incidents.
To acquaint the public-especially
children west of the Mississippi
with the dangers of the balloon
OOlllDo, tllc val OtJdl UllleI1I Has
begun an educational campaign in
cooperation with schools and civic
organizations.
Meantime, the services cautioned
that some unexploded bombs may be
found in isolated or wooded spots OF
beneath melting snow. They warned
that under no circumstances should
any one not acquainted with bombs
approach or touch any unfamiliar
object.
The statement praised newspapers
and radio stations for helping to
keep information of the balloon
landings from the japanese, asked
for continued cooperation and re-
quested civilians to refrain from
discussing any specific balloon in
cident.
In the event of a casualty, 1t
said, "it will serve the national in
terest if the press and radio and
all civilians will refrain from con-
Meeting such casualty with enemy
action "