LOSS OF THE AFFRAY

Press, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 26492, 6 August 1951, Page 7

LOSS OF THE AFFRAY

CHECK ON THEORY OF DEFECT IN SNORT

LONDON, August 1 Although Mr James Callaghan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty, agreed in the House of Commons that it was the “most obvious theory” that the loss of the submarine Affray was caused by a defect in the snort breathing apparatus, he emphasised that he had been careful not to make this conclusion in his latest statement.

He added that the reason why the salvage ship Reclaim was trying to get further evidence was to have this theory confirmed or, alternatively, to open up a fresh series of thoughts on the subject. Mr Callaghan said it was now 47 days since the wreck of the Affray was found, but diving had been possible on only 15 days. Suited divers could be used for only one hour in 24 at this depth (nearly 300 ft) and in the present tides had made six descents. Twenty-six dives had been made by an observation chamber.

Communist Expelled. The Victorian State council of the Legion of Ex-servicemen has expelled a member who admitted that he belonged to the Communist Party. He was one of several members charged wiU) conduct detrimental to the reputation of tna legion. The State president (Mr A. «• Elashki) said the man contended that the aims of the Communist Party an former servicemen’s the same—the J™” 1 , J* 5 men’s conditions.— Melbourne, Aug. 5.