SUBMARINE DISASTERS

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 46, 18 November 1925, Page 9

SUBMARINE DISASTERS

FALSE IMPRESSION CREATED “NO MORE DANGEROUS THAN SURFACE VESSELS” AMERICAN OPINIONS ON ABOLITION QUESTION t American naval officers declare that recent submarine disasters have created a false impression that submersibles are deathtraps, and contend they are no more dangerous than surface vessels. They consider that Japan and France would never consent to the abolition of submarines. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Copyright. Washington, November 16. Lady Astor’s declaration that the nations of. the world should combine to abolish submarines has aroused peculiar interest in the United States, patricularlv since various public bodies have received intimations from England that an American reaction to this proposal would be welcomed. Popular opinion undoubtedly supports Lady Astor’s attitude, if on no other than on sentimental grounds, but high naval officers here oppose the step, pointing out that recent submarine disasters liave created a false impression that submersibles are death-traps, while actually they are no more dangerous than surface vessels. They consider that Japan and France would never consent to the abolition, on account ot the submarine’s value in war. Seator Lenroot said that he favours the step, but that it would be inadvisable for the United States to act aldne. Senator Borah also approved of the step, but advised the inclusion of tlie proposal in a general international agreement outlawing war. There is a feeling,” he said, ? ‘that the time has arrived for a new disarmament conference taking up the various phases ot these questions.” —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Lenroot (Wisconsin) and Borah (Idaho) are regarded as reliable mouthpieces of representative American opinion.]

POOR COUNTRIES UNLIKELY TO FORGO THEM BRITISH ADMIRALTY VIEW London, November 16. The “Daily Express” . understands than the Admiralty view is that there is little likelihood of v reviving the Washington proposal for the abolition of submarines. They are comparatively cheap to build, and carry small crews. Poor countries, with large seaboards, are unlikely to forgo them.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. GERMANS GESTURE OF FRIENDSHIP ROUGH WEATHER DELAYS DWERS (Rec. November 17, 8.5 p.m.) ' London, November 16. ' Divers are awaiting an opportunity to test the German appliances where the submarine is believed to be located. Rough weather is delaying the operations, the wind blowing half a gale. Two Britishers have been chosen to aid the Germans, whose spontaneous gesture of friendship in loaning the apparatus has created a widespread impression. The equipment of the diving suit includes a telephone, with which the diver is able to keep in constant touch with the surface. The Germans claim that tliev will be able to reach the submarine within two minutes of leaving the surface. When located they will examine the hull by means of portable undersea searchlights, for the purpose of determining the. cause of the disaster. If the vessel is badly damaged they will attempt to cqt a/way through the hull by means of an oxyacetylene plant specially designed for under-water work. Should it be decided to raise the submarine, it is expected to take over a week.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.