U-BOAT MENACE

Grey River Argus, 26 March 1943, Page 5

U-BOAT MENACE

BECOMING WORSE Lord Hankey s Statement 1 British Official RUGBY, March 24. The war at sea was' debated in the Lords on a motion by Lord Strabolgi. A number of criticisms and suggestions were answered by Lord Bruntisfield, who replied for the Government. He said that for the purpose of combating the U-boat menace there was the highest priority for the Admiralty. Merchant and naval shipbuilding ‘ had priority, and the , naval programme provided for the construction Of naval vessels on a priority basis. The number of longrange heavy aircraft for the use of the Navy wag steadily increasing, but the mere provision of aircraft was by no means the whole story. Aircraft had to be equipped with anti-submar-ine devices, crews trained for special work, and bases constructed. The whole matter, he added, was being, treated with the utmost urgency. . (Rec. 7.30) LONDON, Marcn 24. In the House of Lords’ debate on 4he U-boaf menace, Lord Hankey, who for many years was. Secretary of the Committee of Imperial Defence, and who was Secretary of the Wa'r Cabinet during the last war, said: “We have had ups and downs, but, broadly speaking, at the end oi each year we have been worse off than at the beginning of the year. 1 fear that we have not looked ahead enough during the past year, and that the enemy will continue to be one leap ahead. I am afraid that escort ships cannot affect the position during 1943. The only way in which ,we_can affect the position is by planes.” Lord Hankey said: “Our shipping losses during December, January and February have been reported to have been lower, but during March there have been some very uncomfortable stories. The Germans have made some very large claims. I know that these have been exaggerated, but they have rather been confirmed by official statements from America.” Lord Hankey; advocated a wnoletime Minister of Anti-U-boat warfare.

Two Convoys Suffer (Rec. 6.30.) LONDON, March 24.The U.S. Director of _ War Information, Mr. Elmer Davis, at a press conference at Washington to-day. said that two Allied convoys were attacked on the Atlantic last week. They suffered some losses,' but the German claims as to the losses were Mr. Davis warned, however, that increasingly serious losses might be expected. NORWEGIAN SUB. LOST. RUGBY/ March 24. A Norwegian naval communique announces that the submarine Uredd is overdue, and must bg presumed' to be lost. . ’