SUBMARINE MENACE

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2662, 6 January 1916, Page 5

SUBMARINE MENACE

ENEMY'S THIRD EFFORT IN THE MEDITERRANEAN By TelesraDh—Press Association—Copyriuh' ("Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services.) London! January d. The "Times" naval correspondent emphasises that the destruction of merchant shipping and the interruption of trado is iho 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 interrupt communications and to molest and destroy, realising the importance of success. Each scheme'has been of separate and distinct character. The early attempts were foiled by the resourcefulness, adaptability, and organising genius of the British seamen. The Mediterranean attempt must bo scotched. The task is not insurmountable, although there are new fnatures in the methods^ "The Mediterranean submarine campaign commenced 'early in' September, increasing in intensity as the number of boats' multiplied. The principal centres of activity were the Egyptian and Tripoli coasts. Mofrea, off Malta, and the Seuz routes. Transports and supply vessels suffered somewhat, but the main attacks were against cargo and passenger vessels. Whether the Persia, was specially convoyjd as a mail steamer, a significant link in the chain of Empire, is not known. The question is certain to be raised. The localities of submarine operations should indicate their bases, because their radius'of action is limited. , "The sinking of the Persia clearly proves that the statement on December lo by the Allied Admiralties that their measures had been effectivo in the Mediterranean was premature. Lord Inchcape then remarked that the P. and 0. liners had enjoyed immunity, but the company would a meet disaster philosophically. This is the propor attitude, but the nation requires everything to be done to avert a peril which determination and foresight applied in the Mediterranean will overcome." BRITISH MAIL LINERS. UNABLE TO CHANGE THEIR , ROUTE. ("Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services.) London, January 4. The "Times" points out that British mail liners are ill a different position to foreign liners, as they are unable to change their route. Contract specified routes might form a question for the amendment of contracts. The "Leader", says it ought to be pcssible to afford adequate protection to P. and 0. liners, the only regular link with India and Australasia. Tho safety and regularity of the service is of the highost importance.