AIR WAR OVER THE ARCTIC (Mar, 1949) AIR WAR OVER THE ARCTIC Our
planes are waging a relentless battle to conquer polar cold and
guard America against sneak attacks across the world’s roof. By
Major General K. P. McNaughton, U. S. Air Force FOR nearly four
centuries the Arctic defied the hardiest explorers from the
temperate zones. This vast ice-locked world with its midnight
sun, Aurora Borealis and paralyzing cold has been an impregnable
barrier across the shortest route between the East and West. Now
the development of long-range aircraft is wiping out that
barrier and, for the first time, exposing America to bombing and
invasion by air. The polar regions have become vitally important
to our national defense. For, should that dreaded World War III
suddenly explode upon us, the key battles probably will be
decided in the air over the Arctic. By traveling the polar
routes, military aircraft now may fly with ease from the major
cities of Europe and Asia to the industrial centers of the
United States. For examp