ENEMY'S THIRD EFFORT.

Colonist, Volume LVII, Issue 13979, 8 January 1916, Page 6

ENEMY'S THIRD EFFORT.

London, Jan. 4

"The Times" naval correspondent emphasises that tho destruction *of merchant shipping and the interruption of trade is the most serious danger of the war. "We must keep the

sea routes clear for the coming and! going of "merchandise. The enemy is attempting for the third time to inter-1 rupt communication and to molest and destroy, realising the importance of (s'-jcccss. Each scheme has been of a separate and distinct character. The nariy attempts were foiled .fey tie rs.sourcefulness, adaptability/ and ;iorgaJi-: irving genius of the.. British -seamen.; ' 'Tho Mediterranean. attempt-.-tmistbe'-f>cct?hed.- The 'ta.sk' is-. not inswsnoinJt-; a,])it*/..although there .are now -features; in the methods. ' ' .' j "The Mediterranean submarine cam-' paign commenced early in SeptoirJior, increasing in intensity as tho nwrr.ber of boats multiplied. The principal centra of activity were the Egyptian and Tripoli coasts.. JMorea 3 off Malta, and: tbz Suoz routes. Transports and supply vessels suffered somewhat, but the .main attacks were against cargo and j passenger vessels. Whether the Persia- j was specially convoyed as an.ail; steamer, a .significant link in the chain of Empire, is riot known. The question is certain to be raised. The localities • of submarine operation:-; should indicate! their bases, because their jradius of action is limited. ''The sinking of the Persia clearly proves that the statement on DcceKiU-r loth by. the Allied AdmmUties that tliair measures had been effective in the Modi terrau<?un was premature. . Ijczd Inchcivpp then remarked that the : P.. and 0.. linova iia/j'enjoyed uonjunitj-, ': Lvab the^.cjil-p.aiiy; would-me^disaste-r phiiosophk'dh'. This is the proper attitude., but viio nation requires everything to be done to avert a peril which deterraination and foresight applied in | tha Mediterranean .will overcome." j

"The Tunes" points out that British mail liners are in a different position to foreign, liners, as they are unable to change their route. Contract specified routes might form a g/aeetioa f(sr sjmendraent of contract^.

'The "Leader" says it ought to be possible to afford adequate protection to P" and 0. liners, the ozAj regular link with India and Australasia- Tho safotv and regularity of..the.service, is of the highest importance.