JAPAN’S CRISIS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 21601, 2 January 1945, Page 2

JAPAN’S CRISIS

SHORTAGE OF SHIPS . OVER 5,000,000 TONS SUNK U.S. SUBMARINES' TOLL (10 a.m.) NEW YORK, Jan. 1American sea and air power are estimated to have sunk at least 5.000,000 tons of Japanese shipping, says the United Press. Japan thus faces the most critical period of the war with a merchant Beet somewhat less than 4.000.000 tons, including some large wr-wle” vessels built, in the last few years. In addition portion of her remaining tonnage has been damage:!. The Navy Department’s compilation. based on Army and Navy communiques and other reliable reports from the Pacific and Far East, shows that the Japanese have lost 1050 merchant non-combat ships. In addition 200 were listed as probably sunk and 1420 damaged. The sinkings include 174 tankers. 199 transports. 1272 freighters, and 305 miscellaneous vessels. American submarines sank 3.500.000 tons, including 89 (leet tankers, 133 transports, 575 freighters and 38 miscellaneous ships. Japan is believed to have started the war with 0,300.000 gross tons, which were augmented by 750.000 tons captured and otherwise acquired from the Allies. The Japanese are believed to have built. 1.000.000 tons of shipping in 1942 and 1943. The present building capacity is estimated at 1,000.000 tons a year. It is estimated that Japan's minimum war requirements are 5,000.000 tons.