Ship Losses Prove Need of Convoys

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 110, 10 May 1941, Page 7

Ship Losses Prove Need of Convoys

U.S. SENATOR’S FIGURES ARE INACCURATE (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, May 8. High official circles in London state that the figures of sinkings British ships given in Washington yesierday by Senator Vanderberg on the alleged authority of Admiral Land, chairman of the United States Maritime Commission, are not, as a matter of fact, correct. Even if they were, it is pointed out, they would give a totally false picture of the seriousness of the situation. Senator Vandenberg yesterday endeavoured to prove that American convoys were unnecessary by announcing that Admiral Land had informed him by letter that only eight out of 205 ships carrying Americ-n war supplies were sunk in the first three months of 1941. It is pointed out in London that ves- j sels carrying fully-finished munitions cf war are naturally provided with the • greatest possible protection available, and that the percentage of such vessels sunk is therefore less than that of vessels carrying less precious but almost equally vital supplies, such as steel and food. This proves that adequate convoy escort keeps losses to the minimum. The tonnage position must be regarded as a whole. While aeroplanes and tanks are obviously of greater Immediate importance than anything else, no use could be made of either if food supplies were to tail off. If the total tonnage is reduced, ships now devoted to conveying munitions will inevitably be diverted to carrying food. Figures shortly to be issued by the Admiralty will show that, while the position with regard to the Battle of ! the Atlantic has in the last month shown an improvement, nevertheless, owing to losses in the Mediterranean, the total tonnage at the command of the Allies has suffered as severely almost as in any preceding month during the war.