McKenzies SUBMARINES IN PACIFIC

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 29067, 2 December 1959, Page 12

McKenzies

SUBMARINES IN PACIFIC

French Admiral’s

Warning (New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, December 1. Submarines were at present the greatest threat to the Pacific and Far East, the Commander-in-Chief of French Forces in the Pacific (Rear-Admiral J. C. Evenou) told a press conference in Wellington today. ‘‘We should not forget that the submarine is an offensive weapon. So a nation building submarines has an offensive mind," Admiral Evenou said. - Questioned about Soviet submarine strength in the Pacific, he said the present number of Soviet submarines was higher than anything the Allies had during World War 11. Asked whether S.E.A.T.O. nations could, combat a submarine attack Admiral Evenou replied:— “It depends on the number of enemy submarines. Our forces are well trained. If it’s not a massive or surprise attack our defence would be successful.” Admiral Evenou is here on a week’s visit as the Government’s guest. Today he had talks with the Chiefs of Staff and the Minister of Defence (Mr Connolly). A former Rugby half-back, ■Admiral Evenou commanded a Free French destroyer in the Battle of the Atlantic during the war.

His present Pacific command includes three frigates, two patrol vessels and a group of anti-sub-marine Lancasters. Next year he will be getting four new antisubmarine escort vessels now being built in France.