ITALIAN SUBMARINES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22823, 6 March 1936, Page 7

ITALIAN SUBMARINES

"EXERCISES" OFF MALTA SIR ROGER KEYES'S STATEMENT LONDON, March 4. Facts arc now revealed regarding Sir Roger Reyes's statement. The British authorities learnt that Italian underwater craft were "exercising" in considerable strength around Malta, upon which the British Navy also decided to " exercise," laying down a practice barrage of comparatively harmless explosives outside Valetta. An Italian submarine hastily came to the the commander protesting. It was politely pointed out to him that he was in waters in which the British Navy_ was accustomed to exercise. He surprisingly exclaimed: " But I am off Tripoli." A previous message stated: For a considerable time rumours have been current regarding the supposed activities nf Italian submarines near Malta, and Sir Roger Kcyes has thrown some light on the subject. Addressing the Oxford University Empire Club, he declared: " During 'the British Navy's recent antisubmarine exorcises Italian submarines started popping up like corks. Our commanders were surprised that they were near Malta, believing that they were off Tripoli. I take off my hat to the Admiralty and the Government for sending almost the whole fleet to the Mediterranean." Admiral Keyes cryptically added: "The British Navy, during the anti-submarine exercises, used only small charges, and, believe me, these can be very awkward. The British public are not aware what happened, but if, is well known to the Italian, French, and German staffs; consequently there is little harm in mentioning it."