Page:O que eu vi, o que nós veremos (1918).pdf/72

 plane communication between the two continents will be reduced from twenty to two or three days. The transportation of passengers between New York and the farthest points in South America is not impossible. I believe, gentlemen, that the airplane, with minor improvements, will solve the problem for which we have fought so hard.

Is the possibility of air navigation between the United States and South America mere phantastical speculation?

I intimately believe that air navigation will be used to transport mail and passengers between the two continents. Some of you will show incredulity and laugh at this prediction.

However, 12 years ago I said that air machines would take part in future wars and everyone, incredulous, smiled.

On July 14, 1903, I flew over the Longchamps military review. It was attended by 50,000 soldiers and around 200,000 spectators. It was the first time that air navigation featured in a military demonstration. At that time, I predicted that air warfare would be one of the most interesting aspects of future military campaigns. My