While Improved, Atlantic Battle Still Grim

Northern Advocate, 9 May 1941, Page 5

While Improved, Atlantic Battle Still Grim

(Rcc. 2 p.m.) RUGBY, May 8. High official circles in London state that the figures of the sinking of British ships given by Senator Vandenberg, on the alleged authority of Admiral Land, that only eight of 102 ships from the United States failed to reach Britain are not, as a matter of fact, correct.

Even if they were, it is pointed out that they would give a totally false picture of the seriousness of the situation.

Vessels carrying fully-finished munitions of war are naturally provided with the greatest possible protection available, and 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. Food Equally Important This proved that adequate convoy escort keeps losses down to a minimum. The tonnage position must be regarded as a whole. Whilst aeroplanes and tanks are obviously of greater 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 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.