SUBMARINES IN THE MEDITERRANEAN

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLIX, Issue XLIX, 6 January 1916, Page 5

SUBMARINES IN THE MEDITERRANEAN

NEW FEATURES IK) BE : COMB ATE©. ■ 'MUST BE PRE SERVED, TjOND-ON, Jan. 4. The "Times" naval correspondent emphasises thaiithe destruction of merchant stopping and the interruption of trade is the most serious danger of the war. "We must keep the sea routes clear for the coming and going of, merchandise. The enemy is attempting- for the third time to . interrupt- • communications and to molest and destroy, realising the import-., #ince of success. Each scheme has been of separate and distinct character. The early attempts' were foiled by the resourcefulness, adaptability, and organising genius of the .British seamen. The Mediterranean attempt must be scotched. The task is not insurmountable, although there are new features in the methods. The Mediterranean submarine campaign commenced e&rly in September, increasing in' intensity as the, number of boats multiplied. The principal centres of activity were the Egyptian and Tripoli coasts, Morea, off Malta, and the Suez routes. Transports and supply vessels suffered somewhat, font the main attacks were against cargo and passenger vessels. Whether the Persia was specially convoyed as a mall steamer, a, significant link dn the chain ".of Empire, is not known. The question is certain to be raised. The localities of submarine operations should indicate their bases, because their radiiis of action is limited. The sinking of the Persia clearly proves that the statement on ISth" December by the Allied Admiralties that' ..Itheir measures had been 'effective in the Mediterranean was premature. Lord Inch'cape then remarked that the P'.' and 0. liners had enjoyed immunity, but the .company would meet disaster philosophically. This is the proper attitude, but the nation requires everything to be done to avort a peril which determination and foresight applied in tho Mediterranean will overcome." I

IMPORTANCE OP jMAIL SERVICE. LONDON", Jan. 4. The "Times" points out that British mail liners are in a different position from foreign liners, as they are "unable to change their route. Contract specified routes might form a- question for the amendment of contracts. 'The "Leader" says it. ought to be possible to afford adequate protection to P. and :0. liners, the only regular link with India and*- Australasia. The safety and' regularity of the service is of the highest importance.

VAIN ATTACK ON A. LINER. GUNNERY DUEL WITH SUB- • MARINE, LONDON, Jan. 3. Tlie Ellerman City of Marseilles (8250 tons, 13i knots): has arrived at Bombay. Tlie officers state that on Bth December they encountered a. German submarine in -the Mediterranean, off-the coastT>f Sardinia. The pirate was about- three and a-half miles to starboard, and without giving warning fired. The first shot did not. hit, the fragments scattering en deck. The liner steamed at her maximum speed. The second shot barely missed the rudder, and fell astern. The submarine continued firing, but- not hitting. The ship replied with eight shots., and the'- submarine with six. The submarine disappeared, listing to port. The passengers were provided with lifebelts, and assembled in the saloon in case it was necessary to take to the -boats. There was no panic.