ATLANTIC BATTLE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25866, 9 June 1945, Page 7

ATLANTIC BATTLE

VICTORY OVER U-BOATS REVIEW OF LONG STRUGGLE (Rec. 7 p.m.) LONDON, June 7. “ With the surrender of Germany, the battle of the Atlantic has ended. German U-boats have ceased to operate, and are now proceeding under Allied orders,” says a final joint statement on U-boat warfare issued oy Mr Churchill and President Truman.

” Beginning in* September 1939,” continues the statement, “it has been a long and relentless struggle, demanding not only the utmost courage, daring, and enduran-.e, but also the highest scientific and technical skill. Germany’s object was to cut Allied sea communications, upon which the maintenance of the Allied war effort depended. This included the movements and supply of the armies and air forces during the successful campaigns in four continents. The losses, both in lives and material, have been heavy. “At periods in 1941 and 1942 the issue of the struggle hung in the balance. On the other hand, more than 700 U-boats have been sunk and many others destroyed by the Germans themselves in the final stage. Most of these successes have been achieved by the combined Allied naval and air forces. Other sinkings were due to mines laid from aircraft and ships and bombing in harbours, and a few U-boats were lost ' through marine dangers. But success was achieved. Thanks to the saliors, airmen, scientists, technicians, shipbuilders, and factory workers, convoys reached their destination and enabled soldiers and airmen to fulfil their tasks. We, the President and the Prime Minister, in this, our last joint statement on the U-boat war, can now report that the Allies have finished the job.”