4 AUGUST 1939, Page 6

It is being said in aeronautical circles which ought to

be well-informed that Italian aircraft production is almost at a standstill. Shortage of metals has caused a change-over to wooden frames, but apparently the Government is finding difficulty in paying for the American spruce needed for this purpose. As a result German planes are being sent to Italy in considerable numbers ; Germany, in other words, is having to build for Italy as well as for herself.

jANUS.