SECURITY IN THE AIR
[To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR.] SIR,—The first paragraph in " A Spectator's Notebook " of August 24th is somewhat disquieting as the frank opinion of one Who has knowledge entitling him to speak with authority.
It is well known that each of the greater European Powers have bombing plans pigeon-holed, ready for immediate use in attack or defence ; and that the first objective of attack is the destruction of the vital requirements of communal living. In this connexion imagine London suddenly bereft of power, light, water, and food supplies for its many millions, apart altogether from the diffusion of poison gas. The recent failure of the General Electricity Board, which was put out of action over a wide area because of an unexpected and minor mishap, is surely a timeous object lesson, which should at least give pause for contemplation of the wider issue.
The increasing concentration of the head offices and works of industrial and commercial enterprise in and around London is also a factor of danger as affording an inclusive target which, if destroyed, would largely paralyse British productive power; and Mr. Baldwin was surely right when he lately, in this dis- trict, advocated in the national interest widespread decen- tralization.—I am, Sir, &c.,
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