Robert Calvert - Franz Joseph Strauss, Defence Minister, Reviews the Luftwaffe in 1958. Finding It Somewhat Lacking in Image Potential lyrics

Voices of German Air Defence Minister (Franz Joseph Strauss) and Air Chief of staff. Sound of old prop aircraft chugging. Parade ground noises of boots and commands, in background. F.J. Strauss: (gradually building up to messianic pitch) ...This Airforce is an a terrible state. Just look at it. Leftover from the last war. This is not and aiforce, this is an air-circus, God! Even the Red Baron himself would laugh at such antiquated aeroplanes. We must modernize! Voice 2: Ja mein Herr. Strauss: We must join the supersonic race. V2: Ja mein Herr. Strauss: We must get up to date...(finger snapping) ...Get with it! V2: Ja, Herr Minister. Strauss: We must completely reorganize. Build a strategic Air Defence System that will astound the world. V2: Ja mein Herr. Strauss: There must be a dramatic renaissance of the Luftwaffe. The long awaited reawakening of German air supremacy. Out of the ashes of defeat...a shining silver bird arising...we will sew up the skies with our gleaming needles...the world will be.... Fade out into snatch of Strauss waltz...fade up into...