U-BOAT SINKINGS DECREASE

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23942, 8 May 1943, Page 5

U-BOAT SINKINGS DECREASE

ADMIRAL LUETZOW’S EXPLANATION ALLIED SHIPS BETTER PROTECTED LONDON, May 6. The fact that U-boat successes in April were noticeably smaller than in March reminds us that we have no right to expect U-boat successes to rise steadily month by month,” said Admiral Luetzow, in a remarkably frank broadcast over the Berlin radio. “Severe storms in January and February caused reductions in sinkings, 1 he continued. “This cannot apply for April, when smaller figures resulted from the fact that the increased U-boat activity of January and February could not go on indefinitely. Whenever an enemy convoy is sighted in the Atlantic the U-boat headquarters orders all Üboats within a reasonable radius to go in to the attack, no matter whether they have already been at sea for some time or whether they are just starting on a cruise. This means that a number of U-boats have to return to base for refuelling and overhauling sooner than was expected, and they are not available for operations during the following period. “The enemy has considerably strengthened his anti-U-boat defences, and, particularly, is using aircraft which constantly patrol the Atlantic west of Europe and east of America. The enemy has also considerably improved his instruments for the location of U-boats. He is doing everything possible not only to increase the number of escorting craft, but to equip merchantmen for self-defence, and many enemy merchantmen now carry an aeroplane. “The enemy, moreover, has highly developed the routing of convoys which are warned in time about Ü-boat-infested waters and are ordered to take a different course. The enemy also makes great use of weather reports, directing convoys where the weather is worst and visibility is poor. The enemy has established very stern discipline among his own and Allied merchant crews. “We willingly concede that the enemy leaves nothing undone to increase the U-boats’ difficulties. We well know that the fight has become harder, but we are prepared for that. We have greatly improved our weapons and our attacks are directed deliberately against enemy tonnage whether it is carrying or not carrying cargo.” FLARE-UP IN BURMA JAPANESE RENEW ATTACK (Rec. 7.30 p.m.) LONDON, May 6. After four days of quiet, fighting on the Arakan front flared up again, the Japanese renewing their pressure against positions east of the Mayu hills and south-west of Buthidaung. according to a Calcutta message. The main attack was against high ground between Sinoh and Sunchiang, seven miles from Buthidaung. Facing an enemy with numerical superiority. Allied artillery heavily shelled the new Japanese positions. The Royal Air Force continued strafing activities. American * heavy bombers, without loss, on Wednesday attacked railway tracks at Myingyan, west of Mandalay, when direct hits were registered. On Tuesday 30 tons of bombs were dropped on the Taungup aerodrome in central Burma. Fires were started, an oil dump was set on fire, and the Japanese headquarters were hit. ENGLISH TOWN

RAIDED

AT LEAST 10 PERSONS KILLED (Rec. 11 p.m.) LONDON. May 6. Enemy aircraft made a hit-and-run raid on a coastal town in East Anglia. At least 10 persons were killed. A first aid post was hit. An Australian pilot flying one of Fighter Command’s Mosquitoes on his first daylight trip over France, hit six goods train in six minutes. Four of them were conveniently together at a junctipn on a line between Paris and Brest. NORTHERN IRELAND CABINET (Rec. 7.10 p.m.) LONDON, May 6. Sir Basil Brooke, Prime Minister of Northern Ireland, has formed a new Cabinet and abolished five Parliamen‘tary secretaryships. Sir Basil Brooke continues to hold the Commerce portfolio. Mr William Grant, a former member of Cabinet, becomes Minister of Labour. Mr J. C. Macdermott remains Attorney-General. Mr Harry Midgley, former chairman of the Northern Ireland Labour Party, has been brought into the Cabinet as Minister of Public Security. Other members of the Cabinet are:— Finance, Major J. M. Sinclair; Home Affairs. Mr W. Lowry; education, the Rev. Professor R. Corkey; Agriculture, the Rev. R. Moore; Parliamentary Secretary for Home Affairs, Sir Wilson Hungerford; Parliamentary Secretary for Commerce, Dr. W. B. Maginesa. j