Page:O que eu vi, o que nós veremos (1918).pdf/82

 cannons, of which we have such a small number, but by the strength of our union. In the case of a war against a European power, neither the United States, nor any of the major South American countries, under the present conditions, could conveniently protect their extensive coasts. The protection of the Brazilian and Argentine coasts by one squadron would be impractical.

Only a squadron of large airplanes, flying at 200 kilometers per hour, could patrol these long coasts... Reconnaissance airplanes could discover the approach of the hostile squadron and warn their warships about the impending battle.

Am I talking about impossible things?

Remember that ten years ago no one took me seriously. Now we have the opportunity to observe what the airplane has been doing in Europe, doing reconnaissance, directing battles, moving troops, attacking the enemy and defending the coasts.

The lack of communication in ancient times was the basic origin of a disunited and warring Europe.