SUBMARINES IN' THE MEDITERRANEAN

Evening Post, Volume XCI, Issue 3, 5 January 1916, Page 7

SUBMARINES IN' THE MEDITERRANEAN

NEW FEATURES TO BE COMBATED

COMMUNICATIONS MUST BE PRESERVED

(Tinus and Sydney Sun Services.) \ (Received January 5, 8 a.m.) LONDON, 4th January. The Times naval correspondent emphasises that the destruction of merchant shipping and the interruption of trade is the most serious danger of the war. "We must keep the sea routes clear for the coming and going of merchandise. The enemy is attempting for the third_ time to interrupt communications and to molest and destroy, realising the importance of success. Each scheme lias been of separate and distinct character. The early attempts were foiled by the resourcefulness, adaptability, and organising genius of the British seamen. The Mediterranean attempt must be scotched. The task is not insurmountable, although there are new features in the methods. The i'editerrancan submarine campaign commenced early in September, increasing in intensity as the number of boats multiplied. The principal centres of activity were tho Egyptian and Tripoli coasts, Jlorea, off Malta, and the Suez routes. Transports and supply vessels suffered somewhat, but the main attacks were against c«.rgu and passenger vessel?. Whether the Persia was specially convoyed as a mail steamer, a significant Jink in the chain of Empire, is not known. The question is certain to be raised. The localities of submarine operations should indicate their bases, because their radius of action is limited. The sinking of thy Persia clearly proves that the statement on 15th December by the- Allied Arlmiraltios that their measures had been effective in the Mediterranean was premature. Lord Inchcape then remarked tkat-the i>. ancL.Q.,

liners had enjoyed immunity, but tho company would meet disaster philosophically. This is the proper attitude, but the nation requires everything to be done to avert a peril which determination and foresight applied in the Mediterranean will overcome." IMPORTANCE OF MAIL SERVSCE. (Times and Sydney Sun Services.) (Received January 5, 8 a.m.) LONDON, 4th January. The Times points out that British mail liners are in a different position to foreign liners, as they are unable to change their route. Contract specified routes might form a question for the amendment of contracts. The Leader says it ought to be possible to* afford adequate protection to P. and O. liners, the only regular link with India, and Australasia. The safety and regularity of the service is of the highest importance.