France's Bid

Germany with her Graf, England with her R-100 & 101, the U. S. with its Goodyear-Zeppelin program have made impressive plans for transoceanic air service. With one accord, they see the dirigible as the future vehicle for long-distance air traffic. But what of France? France has neither built nor flown a sizable dirigible since the Dixmude (the ex-German L72) was lost with all hands off Sicily in 1923.

Last week France gave 'her answer when Pilot Jean Mermoz and two companions flew the Paris mail into Santiago, Chile, in four days. Compagnie Generale Aeropostale announced a weekly schedule, weather permitting. from Toulouse, France, to Santiago via Senegal, Brazil and Buenos Aires. Craft used: a Late 28 seaplane powered with 600-h. p. Hispano-Suiza engine. Significance: France will concentrate on heavier-than-air craft with immediate returns while other nations undertake costly dirigible experiment.

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