NAVAL ARMAMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 16 January 1933, Page 5

NAVAL ARMAMENT

FOR DOMINION CONCLUSION OF MANOEUVRES. (United Press Association By Electrlo Telegraph—Copyright.) LONDON, January 13. Nav.al manoeuvres’, covering an' attempt by enemy warships to interfere with merchant arid the transport of foodstuffs between two British colonies, popularly regarded as representing Australia and New Zealand, have ended.

Th e first day’s operations illustrated the difficulties that were .likely to wt-cur 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 wei’e sunk, and also one cruiser, while attacking the raiders, c ■ After tire. Commander-in-chief confers with his leading officers at G'ibral--tar, a detailed report will be submitted to the Admiralty.