Germans Admit Allies Holding U-Boats

Manawatu Times, Volume 68, Issue 161, 9 July 1943, Page 5

Germans Admit Allies Holding U-Boats

(British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, July 7. The admission that the Allies at present bold tne upper hand in the Battle ol tne Atlantic and tnat they are xurtner developing their de fences against tne U-boats was made to-day by the German naval spokesman, Admiral Luetzow, over the Benin radio. “It is a bird struggle for our U-boats from tbe time they leave their bases until they return,” be said. “We increased tbe numbers and range of our boats, out we realised in 1942 tbat tbe conditions ol iigntibg were becoming more difficult for us. “Tbe enemy bas ielt nothing untried in affording increased protection for bis convoys. He bas met our counterstrokes with fresh devices. “The enemy has continually increased the numoer and efficiency oi tbe pianes policing tne lanes tne convoys are using, inus gradually compressing tbe area in which our U-uoats can systematically pursue tbe Carrier-oorne pianes nov circle tne convoys. They drop dept a charges and report tbe U-boats’ positions to destroyers. “Our J-Doat crews, nevertheless, are straining every nerve to wrest from tbe Allies tbe advantageous position they at present bold in tbe Atlantic,” Admiral Luetzow concluded.