NAVAL MATTERS

Marlborough Express, Volume LIV, Issue 84, 10 April 1920, Page 3

NAVAL MATTERS

AN INTERESTING 'LECTURE

SUBMARINES

A D2CKE.-iSING

MEaAC'E

THE POSSIBILITIES OF GAS

[Prkss Association.!

(Imperial News Service.) LONDON, April 8^ Tho waning advantage or subinavuies against surface ships was shown at a lecture which Naval Lieutenant King-Hall delivered at the Royal Service Institution, in whicn lie asserted that the advantage, which was nine to one in 1914, was oniy seven to three last year, and was likely to be only six to seven in ID3O. A submarine detection apparatus was likely to develop winch would partially protect important ships against tactical attack.

Lieut. King-Hall expressed the opinion that gas would eventually revolutionise naval warfare. Gas might be discharged on an enemy coastline. Such a plan was contemplated during the German occupation oi" Belgium, but was postponed in deference to Belgian susceptibilities.

Tho lecturer recommended the extension of the convoying system for the protection of commerce in war time, but ruled out the plan for making capital ship* submersible, on the ground of its impracticability. Admiral Sturdee, who presided, agreed with the last-named opinion.