BATTLE OF THE ATLANTIC

Evening Star, Issue 23860, 15 April 1941, Page 5

BATTLE OF THE ATLANTIC

DEALING WITH THE TRANSPDRT PROBLEM AMERICA'S PART IN CAMPAIGN (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, April 13. Tho Sunday newspapers stress the Importance of the Battle of the Atlantic, tho vital character of which is fully realised }n spite of anxiously-awaited news from the Balkans front. On the other side of the Atlantic tho vital part the United States and Canada must play in the all-important campaign is emphasised in the newspapers. The ‘ New York Times ’ says: “ The test of strength in the battle of transportation is fully as important as the battle of production.” This appears to be typical of considered . newspaper opinion. • .Commenting on United States aid, the ‘ Sunday Times ’ says: “ The greatest help the United States can for tho moment give ns is that of her shipyards. It is much less satisfactory to replace sunken tonnage than to save it from being sunk. Yet under the present conditions—and particularly so long as we are debarred from using the ports and aerodromes of Eire—enormous replacements are needed. There the vast building resources, of the United States oau make a vital contribution.’'

Fully realising the importance of convoy escorts as a direct method of dealing with the transport problem, the ‘ Sunday Times,’ examining the more indirect method of sending ships by less dangerous routes than over the U-boat area, states: “ Now that the Red Sea and Indian Ocean are cleared of Italian bases it is possible for our southern dominions to send cargoes to Egypt safely. President Roosevelt by proclamation last Friday authorised United States shipping to use the Red Sea. Tanks or aeroplanes manufactured in America could be carried to Suez in American ships. Only for the short voyage from Alexandria to Greece would British shipping become requisite.” PROSPECTIVE AID NETHERLANDS INDIES WATCHING POSITION BATAVIA, April 13. The Netherlands East Indies Government is watching Allied shipping losses with a view, if necessary, to diverting a further portion of its large mercantile fleet for the carriage of supplies to Britain. A considerable portion of the K.P.M. fleet is sailing under -Admiralty orders, and the rest is controlled by the Netherlands East Indies naval commander. Some ships, however, are still being used for non-war service, and. if necessary, will be assigned war duties.