THE SUBMARINE CAMPAIGN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16658, 1 October 1917, Page 4

THE SUBMARINE CAMPAIGN.

. —. — ♦ ■ , , There is a serious note in the state* ment on the submarine outlook made on behalf of the Ministry of Munitions, but the warning that the present situation is not satisfactory is modified by the reasoned conclusion that American shipbuilding can defeat the worst that Germany can do. . The total losses since February when Germany commenced to sink at sight all ships, belligerent and neutral— stated to be equal to the sinkings for the whole of the war period preceding. Merchant ships have been attacked by submarines since February, 1915. The measure of Germany's ruthless effort would, therefore, appear to be that in the past eight months she has caused as much loss as in the two previous years. In other words, the rate of sinking since February is three times what it was 'before that date. In December last, Lord Charles Beresford announced that since the beginning of the war 1470 British, and neutral ships had been sunk, and at the beginning of February it was stated, though not officially, that the total loss had been slightly' over 3,000,000 tons. There were at that time 12,500,000 tons available for the civilian needs of Britain, after naval and military requirements had been met. These figures show how essential 'it is that every possible effort should be,made to expedite shipbuilding. They explain the obstinacy with which Germany is fighting a losing war on land and the reliance which her leaders continue ,to place upon victory on the sea. The Allied navies are fighting the submarine with every means in their power. In recent months the losses have been greatly reduced, but it is admitted that no specific for the submarine has been discovered, and that all the efforts directed against the piratical fleets, while tending to minimise their destructiveness, do not eliminate them as a factor in the war. Thus it is that shipbuilding in excess of losses is the only safe and certain course. The Ministry of Munitions estimates the Allied needs at 6,000,000 tons per annum, and it is satisfactory to be assured that this is well within our power if the great resources of the United 1 States are adequately drawn upon.! It was because she believed that her submarines could bring her success that Germany flung down tho gauntlet to the United States. The challenge was accepted, and having entered upon the task we can feel confident that America will spare neither the money nor the energy necessary to complete it victoriously,