Gas Bags

Russians, who rushed to the rescue of the famed North Pole expedition of General Umberto Nobile (TIME, July 23, 1928), should know whether he is or is not a bungling dirigible commander.

In Moscow last week the Soviet Press joyously announced that General Nobile has been signed up on a long contract. He will direct construction of the first Soviet dirigible factory. By the end of this year at least one small new Red gas bag will be blimping around Russia, according to the contract.*

"By the end of 1933," announced the Soviet Press "the U. S. S. R. will possess a fleet of powerful dirigibles of the largest size."

Where in Russia the Red gas bags will be built is a military secret. General Nobile was in Italy last week picking twelve Italian dirigible experts who will go with him to Russia in April. This year, according to further Soviet announcements, the number of commercial planes in Russia is being doubled, the total length of Soviet commercial air routes is being increased 55% and "every effort is being made to increase the proportion of women now being trained at aviation schools throughout the Soviet Union."

Generally speaking, Soviet pilots are extremely reckless, constantly "stunt" over Moscow and other large Soviet cities to help make the populace air minded.

*The first built-in-Russia blimp was launched Sept. 1, 1930.

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