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 prediction was ridiculed by some military men: there were others, however, who immediately understood the future and immense benefits of air navigation. Among these, I am glad to recall the name of General André, then French Minister of War, from whom I received the following letter:

MINISTRY OF WAR

Minister's Office


 * Paris, July 19, 1903

Dear Sir,

During the review of July 14th, I had noticed and admired the ease and the safety with which the balloon you were directing was evolving. It was impossible not to notice the progress with which you have endowed air navigation. It seems that, thanks to you, it should now lend itself to practical applications, especially from a military point of view.

I believe that in this respect it can render very serious services in wartime...

GENERAL ANDRÉ.