Secret Oil Stores

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 171, 22 July 1939, Page 8

Secret Oil Stores

SUPPLIES VITAL IN WAR LONDON, July 13. In great secrecy, the British GoA'ernruent is carrying out elaborate and costly plans to safeguard from air attack Britain's oil supplies, on which the mobility of the Fleet, tho Royal Air Force and the Army depends. It is understood that a huge system of underground reservoirs is being constructed beneath the south coast chalk hills, at a cost of £5,000,000. These will take the oil contained in many tanks perilously situated along the Thames estuarv.

One of the most prominent landmarks at Southampton Water is a nest of glistening tanks near Hythe. It is believed that in an emergency these would be emptied of their contents, which would be removed to a safer place. The Admiralty is known to have built great underground storage reservoirs on the west coast.

Alany commercial tanks are, camouflaged by vari-coloured painting. The Royal Air Force is amassing camouflaged stores near aerodromes.

These precautions, however, do not allay the anxiety of those naval authorities who fear that in a long war supplies may be cut off. Admiral Sir Barry Domville (retired), in a letter to the Daily Telegraph, says: “The recent action of the United States Congress regarding the Neutrality Bill, in addition to Alj-. Hoovers' recent declaration of a policy of extreme isolation, must arouse qualms iu tho hearts of the