THE OSTEND RAID

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 201, 14 May 1918, Page 5

THE OSTEND RAID

PRESS CRITICISM, OF PAST LACK OF

INITIATIVE

WORK THAT SHOULD HAVE

BEEN DONE BEFORE

London, May 12. I lie Jioffspapors are asking, why tho Navy lias not earlier made full ':ise of attacks on the submarine bases. The "Pall Mall Gazette" says that inability to focus i.ho measure of tho submarine problem must bo recorded as one of our major crroie. Tho shipping shortage is the penalty of tho past torpor niiil i';iccoiiipal defensive. Commander Hellairs, M.l'., in <:n article in the "Stinidnrd," says: "It is 10 longer necessary to conceal the fact that nici! long fftmilinr with Zeebrtigffo and Ostein! pleaded for permission to block them before tho building , of tho defences was completed. The papers oxpr:ss the opinion that commanders will in future bo given greater initiative.—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn. TRIBUTE FROM TRANCE. Paris, May 12. The "Matin" declares that tho iatest attacks on the Flanders coast are the finest feat in the naval history of all times and a]\ countries.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable .Assn.

FULL SPEED AHEAD! THE WATCHWOBDOF THE NAVY. (Rcc. May 13, 7.30 p.m.) London, May 12. Sir Eric Geddes (First Lord of tho Admiralty) has received a cablegram from llr. Daniels (Secretary of tho United Statos Navy) stating that one splendid result of the war was the mutual appreciation of the men of the British and American Navies. The work of combating the U-boats had necessitated Anglo-American conferences, which had far-reaching results in the relations of the two nations. "I am engaged, , " he said, "in equipping more and more, units of the Fleet. Tho whole service is being keyed up, and the watchword throughout (ho Navy is "Full speed ahead!"—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. NAVAL ESTIMATES Tn~THE REICHSTAG UNRESTRICTED PIRACY ENDORSED Amstordam, May 12. Admiral von Cnpelle, Minister of the German Navy, submitting the Navy Estimates in the Reichstag, said the reports of tho .unrestricted submarine campaign continued to be favourable. The increase in the numbetf of U-boats eiccsded the losses. It wao more and more a development of tho struggle between submarine action and tho construction of snips. Be claimed llmt British shipbuilding had been reduced from 161,000 tons in March to 111,000 tons in April, or from 32 to 22 ships. America's buildings were far below expootatibns. Even if it iras increased, America would require all tho increase. There was every reason to regard the submarines with trust und confidence. Success would surely not fail them. As far as the other requirements of tho Army and Navy would permit, thb entire war industry would be placed at tho services of submarine construction. Tho Reichstag unanimously voted in favour of unrestricted submarine operations.—Renter.