In Britain

Sky Mines. A new scheme of air defense for England is being prepared by the Air Ministry under the direction of Colonel Edward B. Ashmore, who commanded London's defense during the War. Great areas of the sky will be "mined" by hundreds of captive balloons, from which huge nets will be hung, the system extending to a height of three miles. Above these "mines," to a further height of nearly six miles, a complete vertical barrage of bursting shells will "prevent any aviator coming through alive." Smoke screens of such proportions as to form veritable clouds will help to confuse the invader. Yet higher squadrons, equipped with new types of planes, will patrol the air "at altitudes which service machines have never yet attained."

More Planes. Nor is the Labor Ministry neglecting to increase the British air forces. Steady development is provided for in the new estimates. From ten, the number of Home Defense squadrons is to be raised to 18, and by the end of April, 1925, Great Britain will have 35,000 men and 200 planes for its home defense. The Labor Ministry may be unwilling to challenge France in a race for air supremacy (and it has already incurred a disapproving vote in the House of Lords on this score) ; but it seems as determined as the former Ministry to protect England's shores against air attacks.

No Dirigibles. But the British Government is not following the lead of the U. S. in building huge dirigibles.