An Acknowledged Error The Government has acted with commendable prompti-
tude in apologising unreservedly to Belgium for the error committed by two or three British aeroplanes in flying over Belgian territory when returning at night from a pamphlet- dropping flight over Germany. The error, which was cer- tainly due to a genuine mistake in navigation in the dark, was unfortunate. The Belgian aviators who engaged our machines, with or without knowledge of their nationality, acted perfectly rightly. No doubt it is extremely difficult in flights near the frontier to avoid the error of crossing it. But a broad margin of safety should be observed. Belgium is resolutely intent upon preserving a strict neu- trality as between both combatants, and we respect her attitude. It should be remembered that if our men get a little off their course, and cut off corners in rounding Belgium, the other side may deliberately take the shortest course over neutral territory between Germany and their objective. It is essential that we should avoid errors in navigation which will provide excuses for wilful trespass- ing by the enemy.
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