RUSSIA’S UNDERSEAS FLEET

Greymouth Evening Star, 17 April 1937, Page 8

RUSSIA’S UNDERSEAS FLEET

LARGEST IN WORLD I learn from a well-informed source that Russia is building a submarine fleet of phenomenal size. At the beginning of this year, it is stated, she had 40 submarines in the North Pacific, based on Vladivostok, and at least 90 others completed or building in the Baltic (says the Naval Correspondent of the London “Daily Telegraph"). If these figures are accurate, the Soviet already possesses the largest undersea force in the world. Hitherto the United States led with 100 boats. France following with 92 and Italy with 87.

The great majority of the Russian submarines are small vessels of the coastal type, not designed for ocean cruising. They would, however, be formidable enough for operations either in the Baltic or the Sea of Japan, and it may be mentioned that only 400 miles separate Vladivostok from the west coast of Japan. On an average a. new boat is added to Ihe Pacific flotilla every month, so that by the end of this year it will probably have a strength of over 50 boats.

The presence of this powerful force so near to her coast-line, and its potential ability to harass her vital communications with Manchuria, is understood to bo causing Japan some uneasiness.