* * Bombs or Roads ?
In view of discussions on bombing on the North-West Frontier of India, the latest report of the Commander-in- Chief in India on the operations in Waziristan, in the last three months of 1937, is- of particular interest. The Royal Air Force is specially mentioned, in connexion not with the bombing of villages, though it does not follow that none took place, but with the transport of military personnel and supplies and the evacuation of casualties. Two features of the operation of pacification are noteworthy. As punitive measures not only fines in money but large fines in rifles have been imposed, and all the rifles demanded have been duly delivered, which seems to suggest that the disarmament of the tribes is a policy which might at least be considered. And secondly, emphasis is laid on the importance of newly-con- structed roads in a certain area in opening up that region and facilitating the establishment and maintenance of order there. The more the road policy supersedes the bombing policy, the better not only for the reputation of Great Britain, but in all probability for the chances of pacifying the Frontier.
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