Alexander Werth to W. P. Crozier.
Location: Paris.
He is trying to get the facts about the French air force by conversing with members of the Air Committee and other significant people; he elaborates. The French have spent 200 million on the air force since 1929, but seem to be 'in as bad a mess as ever'. Vuillemin's report was never published; he gives further details about Vuillemin. He explains the production of 30 planes in August as being due to low productivity during the holiday month. There is plenty of scope for an article on evacuation. Some preparations had been made, although gas masks were non-existent and cellars unsafe. Schools were not due to open until October; most families sent their children to the country; everyone in Paris seems to have country relatives. A surprise attack would pose a greater danger. He adds a note that he would like to see him in Manchester on 23 or 24 October.