OFF COAST OF U.S.A.

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIII, Issue 49, 27 February 1942, Page 5

OFF COAST OF U.S.A.

SHIPPING LOSSES RISE

PROTECTION NOT YET FULLY ORGANISED

RUGBY, February 25.

It is learned in London that the recent heavier shipping losses, which were referred. to by Mr. Churchill in his statement in the House of Commons war debate, have been on the west side of the Atlantic. The Allies are holding their line well across the North Atlantic, but towards the American coast the vast defensive organisation that is necessary for adequate protection is still being assembled, and experience is being gathered.

A very large number of U-boats is operating at present, but their effect on the Anglo-American supply line in the North Atlantic has not been very much greater than in previous months.

The enemy are, however, discovering soft spots along the American coast, where all the merchant ships are probably not yet armed. This enables the U-boats to come to the surface and shell the ships, so conserving their torpedoes. The very severe sinkings off the American coasts have extended down to the Caribbean Sea.

Moreover, the Allies have suffered severe losses due to the entry of Japan into the war.—B.O.W.