In 1909 Monsieur Louis Blériot forged a link between our two countries, one might say an aeronautical link. He did so in an aeroplane which by today's standards took only a short take-off run and a short landing.

Today there are signs of new links being forged between the two countries and among them is co-operation in the development of vertical take-off and landing aircraft. There can, therefore, be no more suitable subject for a lecture in commemoration of Louis Blériot than one on “The Role of Jet Lift.”