Page:O que eu vi, o que nós veremos (1918).pdf/75

 only its enemy but its master. For, while the submarine boat can do no harm to the air-ship, the latter, having twice its speed, can cruise about to find it, follow all its movements, and signal them to the warships against which it is moving. Indeed, it may be able to destroy the submarine boat by sending down to it long arrows filled with dynamite, and capable of penetrating to depths underneath the waves impossible to gunnery from the decks of a warship."

We see that today this prediction, made twelve years ago, when Aeronautics was just born, is entirely true.

The airplane has proven its supreme importance in reconnaissance.

From its board, one can locate the enemy trenches, observe their movements, the transport of troops, ammunition and cannons. From aboard the airplane, by means of wireless telegraphy or signals, it is possible to direct the fire of the troops. By means of information transmitted by wireless telegraphy, large artillery pieces can specify their shots against enemy trenches and batteries......... The airplane is of greater value in defending the coasts than cruisers.