STILL SERIOUS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 108, 9 May 1941, Page 7

STILL SERIOUS

SHIPPING LOSSES

Statement Bv U.S. Senator Not

Correct

Rec. 1.30 p.m. LONDON, May S

High official circles in London state that the figures of the sinking of British ships given by Senator Vandenberg on the alleged authority of Admiral Land, that only eight of 205 ships from the United States failed to reach Britain, arc not as a matter of fact correct. Even if they were, it is pointed out, that they would give a totally false picture of the seriousness of the situation.

Vessels carrying fully finished munitions of war are naturally provided with the greatest possible protection available, and the percentage of such vessels sunk is therefore less than that of vessels carrying less precious but almost equally vital supplies, such as steel and food.

This proves that adequate convoy escort keeps losses down to a minimum. The tonnage position must be regarded as a whole. Whilst aeroplanes and tanks are obviously of greater immediate importance than anything else, no use coujd be made of either if food supplies were to tail off.

If the total tonnage is reduced ships now devoted to conveying munitions will inevitably be diverted the carrying of food. Figures shortly to be issued by the Admiralty will show that, while the position with regard to the Battle of the Atlantichas in the last month shown improvement, nevertheless owing to losses in the Mediterranean the total tonnage at the command of the Allies has suffered as severely almost as in any preceding month during the

..xplainjng recent legislation relating to organisation of the Merchant Marine, the Minister of Shipping, Lord Leathers, said the scheme admittedly took away some of the traditional freedom of choice on the part of both owners and men which had hitherto ' distinguished the service. The basis of the scheme is the creation of a reserve pool oi" ■which all officers and men will become members and be assigned to such duties as have been arranged between the Shipping Federation and the Employers' Association of the port of Liverpool (who together will manage the pool), and societies representing officers or men.

Detailed arrangements relating to pay, leave and travelling are also contained.