The Waikato Times. THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1945. AFTERMATH OF WAR

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 22606, 10 May 1945, Page 4

The Waikato Times. THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1945. AFTERMATH OF WAR

W'hile the armed forces of the United Nations are taking the reins out of the hands of Germany and her satellites, for two days the people have given themselves over to the celebration of victory. It is well that after six years of "toil, tears, blood and sweat’’ they should refresh themselves with a holiday to build up their moral strength for the trials that lie ahead. In the meantime the disarming of the German Army scattered over Europe is proceeding and the German Navy and Mercantile Marine are being' gathered in from the seas and the ports along the western and northern coasts of Europe. From 200 to 300 U-boats have to be rendered harmless and placed under lock and key, and the immense task of sweeping the seas clear of the minefields has to be begun. It is proper that every available German ship should be put to this work so that the merchant ships of the United Nations can begin in safety the task of taking food to the starving peoples of Europe and bringing home the hundreds of thousands of men who have won so smashing a victory. To Britain particularly there will be satisfaction in placing out of harm’s way the German submarine fleet, which in its day was probably the most serious menace faced by the United Nations. Millions of tons of noble ships and many thousands of lives were sacrificed in keeping the sea lanes open to the ships of the United Nations. Now it is well understood why Germany in the days between the two wars was so insistent upon the right to build and maintain a submarine fleet. Almost before the last war ended the Admiral Doenitz who succeeded Hitler was building and planning a fleet of U-boats with which he was convinced he could starve Britain into submission. And he would have succeeded but for the perseverance and seamanlike qualities of the British Royal Navy and Mercantile Marine, the brilliance of their inventive brains and the assistance received from staunch allies.

Germany’s U-boats have been forced up out of the depths and under black flags are awaiting disposal by the Allies. Is it to be countenanced that ever again Germany will be allowed to build another fleet? The United Nations now have the power to prevent it, but time has a soothing effect on apprehensions now fiercely alive. The world organisation for peace must see to it that another Doenitz does not arise with the ambitions of the man who this time has failed. At sea also there will be the danger of mir.es for years, and the total number is staggering. Germany will be compelled to reveal the charts of all fixed fields, but there will be thousands of mines which have broken away from their moorings or which have been sown haphazardly from the air. To the limit of their ability the Germans should be required to u-.dertake this dangerous and onerous work.