N.Z. IMPERILLED.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 661, 14 January 1933, Page 11

N.Z. IMPERILLED.

Not Enough Warships to Protect Her. LESSONS OF MIMIC WARFARE. (Received January 14, 1.25 p.m.) LONDON, January 13. Naval manoeuvres, covering an attempt by enemy warships to interfere with merchant services and the transport of foodstuffs between two British colonies, popularly regarded as representing Australia and New Zealand, have ended. The first day’s operations illustrated the difficulties that were likely to occur through the shortage of cruisers and destroyers to protect the trade routes. The second day accentuated this position, four merchantmen being “ sunk ” and only one raiding cruiser being sunk. The conclusion drawn from this mimic warfare, which was staged in the Bay of Biscay, proved how the Australian and New Zealand trade routes would be imperilled in wartime while the shortage of cruisers continues. Twenty merchantmen entered the war area, and seven were captured in three days by three raiders. Two raiders were sunk, and also one cruiser, while attacking the raiders. After the Commander-in-Chief confers with his leading officers at Gibraltar, a detailed report will be submitted to the Admiralty.