SEA POWER IN 1941

Evening Post, Volume CXXXI, Issue 1, 2 January 1941, Page 6

SEA POWER IN 1941

The conclusion of the U.S. RearAdmiral Yates Stirling, jun., published today, that the British naval position is actually as strong as when the war began, is based on consideration of all factors and may be accepted as • a conservative estimate. The gains have at least made up for the losses. The Navy's greatest task, he infers, is with the defeat of submarine and air attacks against merchantmen. For this, he says, Britain needs more destroyers and bombers, and also the use of Irish bases. Destroyers and bombers come under United States aid to Britain, which the admiral considers may be a deciding factor. The use of Irish naval bases rests with the Government of Eire, which has hitherto withheld consent. All the Axis Powers have been endeavouring to strengthen their navies, individually, but collectively they cannot combine in any one theatre to exert their united strength against the British Navy. The submarine still remains Germany's most effective weapon. Meanwhile, the United States is building up its fleet. "The year 1941," says the Secretary, Colonel Frank Knox, "will see the navy programme making full speed.

. . . The United States fleet is at present the hardest hitting fighting unit afloat. By the end of 1941 it will be immeasurably strengthened." President Roosevelt's speech has made it clear that it will be a bulwark for the defence of democracy in the hour of need.