Residents
of West Warned
Told to
Prevent Injury or Damage; No Property Damage Yet From Flights
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- Japanese long range balloons have made sporadic
attacks on the western part of North America during the last several months, the
army and navy reported today. Some of the balloons are known to have landed or
dropped explosives in isolated localities but there has been no damage to property,
the joint statement said. This was the first time that the public generally had
been told of the attacks, although they were known to many newspapermen and others.
Public
Safety Urged
Pastors of Tacoma churches
Sunday and teachers in Tacoma schools Monday read official statements regarding
danger from the bombs and urging people to beware of any that might land in their
vicinity. The joint statement said the disclosure was being made so that a public
safety campaign could be undertaken to prevent possible damage or injury from
the balloons.
There is always a possibility, the statement said, that unexploded
bombs may be found in isolated spots, concealed in wooded areas, or buried beneath
melting snow.
Should Not Touch Bombs
With
the approach of warm weather and the end of the school season, the statement added,
"It is desirable that people and especially children living west of the Mississippi
River be warned of this possible hazard and cautioned under no circumstances to
touch or approach any unfamiliar object." The army and navy said they wanted
to reassure the nation that the balloon attacks are so scattered and aimless that
they do not constitute a military threat. "They should not be viewed with
alarm," the statement said. The armed services said they took the position
that the possibility of saving even one American life through precautionary measures
would more than offset any possible gain that the enemy might make from the mere
knowledge that some of the balloons had arrived on this side of the Pacific.
Designed
To Start Fires
The enemy would like to
know the exact time the balloons arrived, the locality and their effect, the statement
said, adding: "Such information would permit him to evaluate the results
of his efforts and possibly correct his methods." The statement said this
specific information will be kept back from the enemy if possible. The balloons,
which carry a few small bombs, were described as being of gray, white or greenish-blue
paper and about 33 feet in diameter. The main purpose of the bombs, it was said,
is believed to be to set brush and forest fires. The balloons are unmanned and
cannot be controlled by the enemy.
