Planes have so far proven the most effective striking weapon of the German Army. Here again, however they become ineffective. Even in peacetime the mountains constitute a serious danger to aviation, For at least 250 days of the year mist, clouds. and bad weather ground all planes which might attempt trans-Alpine fights. Night bombing of Swiss troops and supply columns is practiccable only if the flier is seriously bent on suicide. Even in fine weather the scattered detachments of the defenders make unsatisfactory targets. Furthermore, the Swiss are supplied with probably the finest anti-aircraft guns in the world, especially efficient because enemy planes must fly in certain lines through the lateral ranges.
Finally, the Swiss is one of the finest rifle shots in the world, He is trained to shoot from childhood, and
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.