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§ 87 and less density of the fighting-line, did not fully demonstrate the importance of artillery from the standpoint of modern European warfare.

§ 88. The Command of the Air. It is probable that in the future the employment of aircraft in large numbers, tactically in a combative capacity, may, in effect, still further deepen the fighting-line. Without attempting to predict exactly what röle the aeroplane will take in this regard, it is safe to say that if, during a battle, it is found practicable to conduct air raids and air attacks systematically over a considerable belt of territory in the rear of an enemy's lines, this belt will require to be defended, and (if the air forces employed are of numerical strength comparable to the other Arms) the belt will actually become a measure of the depth of front. The permanent defeat of the enemy's air fleet and, as we may express it, the capture of his air will then become the first and most important duty of the Aeronautical Arm. It is difficult to gauge what the total consequence of defeating the enemy in the air will be. It is unlikely that it will entirely prevent his aerial reconnaissance; his scouts will doubtless manage to run the gauntlet and continue to keep him sufficiently informed. On the other hand, he will be deprived of all those uses of the Aeronautical Arm in which some more direct and definite purpose is involved, such as the direction of gun-fire, defence of stores, protection of cavalry, etc. He will require to submit to aeroplane attack without possibility of effective counter; he will be subjected to long-range gun-fire (directed by aeroplane) without means of returning it; his cavalry will be continually harassed by machine-gun fire and explosive grenades, and will cease to be of service; his railways, convoys, and mechanical transport will be nowhere safe; and he will need to expend an undue proportion of his resources in patrolling