Doubts On Russia’s Submarine Fleet

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28490, 21 January 1958, Page 11

Doubts On Russia’s Submarine Fleet

(Rec. 11 p.m.) LONDON, January 20,

“Do 600 submarines matter?” asks the “Economist” in an article saying that the allies have to" ask what uses are intended for a very large fleet of Russian submarines.

“Not long ago the Prime Minister (Mr Macmillan), suddenly declared that these submarines were a most serious threat. “Yet in the context of last year’s White Paper, which left the role of the Navy in doubt they seem to make little sense.” says the “Economist.” "The general argument then was that a world war fought with thermonuclear weapons would be so destructive to both that war would end with atomic assaults

“The idea that the second phase would be a broken-backed war fougnt with remaining stockpiles of conventional weapons was discounted <Tr.

“From this argument it can be asked whether Russian submarines represent one of the white elephants. But can the West rest content on this belief and continue to consider anti-submarine defences as irrelevant?” The “Economist” says that the Minister of Defence (Mr - Sandys) has to settle a number of matters in connexion with the Russian submarine fleet, not only with the Admiralty and Cabinet but also with his allies.

It says although the exact size of the Russian Navy is not known, its final target for submarines may not be far short of 600. Hitler began operations in 1939 with 46 submarines.

The journal says that 80 per cent of the Russian submarines are a long-range type superior to German U-boats. They probably have a submerged speed of up to 20 knots and are capable of diving below- the 600 feet of U-boats. They could stay at sea for six to

nine months if provisioned by their own supply boats. The "Economist” suggests that in addition to war uses, there are dividends to be secured by the Russian fleet in a cold war.

A squadron of Sverdlov cruisers accompanied by submarines on a goodwill tour would make a powerful impression on neutral countries which would be hard to match except with aircraft carriers More insidious is the use of submarines in aiding subversion. “The Allies have to ask themselves what minimum risks can be taken in the face of Russian submarines and what maximum insurance can be afforded.” says the “Economist.”