U-BOAT SINKINGS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24449, 7 November 1940, Page 9

U-BOAT SINKINGS

THE RECENT INCREASE CAMPAIGN INTENSIFIED NAVY’S GIGANTIC TASK (British Official Wireless) RUGBY, Nov. 5., In his speech in the House of Commons. Mr Churchill dealt with air attacks, the submarine menace and invasion. He also described the position in the Mediterranean resulting from the Italian entry into the war and the defection of France .on the intensified U-boat, campaign. • Mr-'Churchill observed that the dangers to sea-borne trade were formidable, and if neglected, would touch the life of the State. He said heavier U-boat attacks must be expected next year, and although preparations of all kinds were being made to meet them, a very long view had to be taken. “We have to think about 1943 and 1.944 and of tonnage programmes, and what we shall have to move across the oceans then,” he said. The time available must be used to produce the greatest volume of food in Britain in order to “ liberate the navy and merchant shipping which will certainly be required in those years if the enemy has not surrendered or collapsed in the meanwhile.” The recent sinking of vessels in the Atlantic'approaches were more serious than the air raids, he said. “ The fact that we cannot use the south-west coasts of Ireland and thus protect trade by which Ireland as well as Britain lives, is a most heavy and strenuous burden, and one which should never have been placed on our, shoulders.”

In addition to these, Mr Churchill said, British flotilla strength was at its lowest because the invasion threat had to be met, as well as maintenance of great forces in the Mediterranean. Provision for escorts was also nfecessary to protect innumerable convoys. “ The Government has imposed upon the navy a gigantic task. This is, perhaps, passing. The 50 American destroyers are rapidly coming into service, just when they are most needed, and the main flow of construction started at the outbreak of the war is now coming along,” said Mr Churchill. “ Britain has nearly as much shipping tonnage as she had at the beginning of the war and has a great deal of neutral shipping which had been trading to Britain before the war and is now under British control.” Stringency on Shipping Mr Churchill explained that although shipping tonnage had not been appreciably diminished, shipping was not so fruitful as in peace lime because of the lengthened and indirect voyages. Delays in marshalling convoys and congestion at ports were inevitable. , “It would not be wise to suppose that a great stringency has not been brought about, although the actual volume of shipping remains practically undiminished.” The Admiralty and Ministry of Shipping were asking for intense efforts to cope with the situation, and he had no doubt that a way through the difficulties would be made.

U-boat hunting, Mr Churchill said, was still having success, and he referred to the sinking of U-boats within the last two or three days, one being the submarine which sank the Empress of Britain. Though he agreed that the danger from U-boats had diminished by a combination of winter weather and the newly-in-creased destroyer strength, as well as proof by the R.A.F. that it was “ master of our own air.” it would be a mistake to presume that the danger had passed away or that it would not recur in a more acute or any other form “A mighty army,” Mr Churchill continued, “crouches on the coast of the North Sea. and there are substantial masses of shipping in the harbours of the western seaboard of Europe.”