From Reuters' Naval Correspondent at a British Naval Base, Sept. 30.
A warning that the danger of invasion does not necessarily disappear as autumn and winter approach, was given me by naval circles.
The weather on this part of the coast. which probably will have a big influence on Hitlers invasion plans, has been consistently fine for some time but it is now threatening to break up. The natural tendency is to assume that the onset of autumn and winter means that an opportunity for invasion has passed. Flat-bottomed boats and barges—the main type of transport for an invading force—cannot be used successfully in the unfavourable sea conditions which henceforth may reasonably be expected.
But, as the Navy knows, there are seasonal lulls to come and one of these would normally make it possible to use stich craft as the Germans have assembled.
During the next few weeks, for example, there should occur a "second summer" or period of temporary calm when an attempt could be made.
If the Germans are hoping that by thus delaying the attempt they arə likely to catch Britain somewhat off guard they will be severely disappointed for the Navy is determined not to relax for an instant.
The fact that preparations in French Channel ports are still continuing steadily is regarded as another reason why invasion still is a possibility. These preparations have been proceeding too consistently to be merely an attempt to divert a proportion of the British bombing force from more important objectives.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.