THE SUBMARINE PERIL.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume II, Issue 594, 5 January 1916, Page 8

THE SUBMARINE PERIL.

MENACE IN THE MEDITERRANEAN. ADEQUATE PROTECTION FOR LINERS DEMANDED. " Timcn" and "Sydney Sun" Services. (Received January 5, 8 a.m.) LONDON, January 4. ''The Times" points out that British mail liners are in a different position to foreign liners, as they are unable to change their route, owing to contracts for specified routes, but there might be a question of the amendment of contracts. It ought to be possible to afford adequate protection to the P. & 0. liners, which provide the only regular link with India and Australasia. The safely and regularity of this service is of the highest importance. Tlie naval correspondent of ''The Times" emphasises the fact that the destruction of merchant shipping and the interruption to trade is a most serious danger, and adds:—- " We must keep the sea routes clear for the coming and going of merchandise. The enemy is attempting, for the third time, to interrupt our communications, and molest and destroy our ships, realising the importance of success. Each scheme was of a separate and distinct character, and the early attempts were foiled by the resourcefulness, adaptability, and organising genius of British seamen. The Mediterranean attempt must be scotched. The task is not insurmountable, although it contains new features and methods. "The Mediterranean submarine campaign commenced early iu September, increasing in intensity as the number of boats multiplied. The principal centres of activity are the Egyptian and Tripoli coasts, Morea (Greece), and off the Malta and Suez routes. Transports and supply vessels have suffered somewhat, but the main attacks have been on cargo and passenger vessels. Whether the Persia was specially convoyed as a mail steamer—a significant link in the chain of Empire—is unknown; but the question is certain to be raised. "The localities of the submarines should indicate their bases, because their radius of action is limited. The sinking of the Persia clearly proves that the statement made on December 15, that the measures taken by the Allied Admiralties would prove effective in the Mediterranean, was premature. Lord Inehcape then remarked that the P. & 0. liners enjoyed immunity, but would meet disaster philosophically. This is the proper attitude, but the nation requires that everything shall be done to avert disaster. The previous determination and foresight if applied to the Mediterranean, will overcome the danger." The "Daily Mail" says: —The loss of the Persia has stirred the nation to its depths, and it is certain that the German submarine, by its cowardly sinking, shall steel the hearts of Britons and prompt them to action and make them enlist. The most effective method of punishing the Germans would be to impose a fine from the £3O0 r OOO,OOO worth of German property in the Empire for each non-combatant killed. A cable message received in December stated: —"The writer on naval topics in the 'Daily Chronicle' says it is disquieting, though not alarming', that the enemy is displaying in the Mediterranean activities which promise to threaten the safety of the Allies' shipping. The submarine menace in the North Sea has been practically suppressed, but Austro-German submarines have latterly wrought destruction in both the Eastern and Western Mediterranean. We must" be prepared for other losses of the same kind, as the approaches of Salouica are bound to attract the submarines. By our ability or inability to secure a safe passage in the Mediterranean the Empire will Stand or fall. We must hold the effective command of the Mediterranean."