The Daily News. MONDAY, APRIL 30. SUBMARINING AND FOOD SHORTAGE.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 April 1917, Page 4

The Daily News. MONDAY, APRIL 30. SUBMARINING AND FOOD SHORTAGE.

Germany's avowed object in pursuing a policy, of ruthless submarining is to starve Britain into submission It is extremely probable that there is also another object -which ;ias been earedilly kept secret, namely, forcing Britain to utilise her Navy largely as escort for food transports and so afford a favorable opportunity for the German fleet to mat a bold effort not only to raid the British' coast, but to endeavor to dispose of the British Navy little by little. There is evidence of a most extensive submarine campaign and of considerable success achieved thereby, the record of losses for last week being far greater than the average. As a result, the acuteness of the food problem has decidedly increased. The Pood Controller has

' iven a serious warning as to the position and urged the utmost economy, and the Government is taking steps to materially increase tho production of foodstuffs. At the same time, theer is no lack of confidence in the ability of the authorities to copo with and successfully overcome the present menace. Whatever object or objects Germany may have are certainly doomed to failure, just as surely as sho will he defeated on land. It is officially admitted that the submarine campaign is seriously affecting the shipping of the Allies and neutrals, but against that iwe have to place the output of our new ships, the programme for which is being actively carried out. It is in this question of food supply and transport that America can give most valuable help, and it would seem most appropriate for the utmost possible help to he forthcoming from that quarter. AVith. the vast resources at the command of the United States, placed at the disposal of Britain and- any other of the Allies who may need help;, and by the systematic cultivation of all fitting areas there should bo no difficulty in effectively solving tho food problem and thereby defeat German machinations. It s pleasing to note that an American armed liner is reported as having sunk a submarine, and that exploit will give an impetus to the arming of all merchantmen. Last week's figures concerning losses of vessels are likely to cause a feelinr; of anxiety, for whereas the average number of v'osselr sunk of over 1800 tons was for the five weeks previous only 18, the number rose to 40, while the vessels sunk under 1000 tons rose from 8 to 13. Much as Iritain is feeling the strain, neutral nations are being more seriously crippled. According to Count Romanones, ex-Premier of Spain, that country has heen blockaded more than Britain, for its vessels are unable to sail and business is paralysed. "I: means," said the ex-Premier, "ruin, and while ruining us, the Germans are carrying their propaganda into our rnidsfe, seeking to frighten us 'by the horrors of war. The time will come when every man must give his voto and take part in European conflict." There is no doubt that the views expressed by Count Romanones are held by most of the neutrals, and that it is only a question of time! when they must all disclose their adherence to the cause of justice or oppression. German methods are horrifying the whole world, and it is particularly hard on the small nations to be acluded in the list of the victims of tho ruthless Hun. The only morsel of satisfaction in this infamous business arises from the success which is attending tho Admiralty's efforts at capturing or destroying submarines. Naturally, the task is one of very great difficulty, especially in locating the hidden craft. It seems incredible that so many vessels escape, so that although last week's toll was so heavy, we need not he dismayed. What is wanted is more ships, and it would seem imperative that every interned German vessel should be utilised for the transport of food and other requisites to Britain. The whole of the Dominion should enter upon a vigorous campaign having for its o'bject the greatest possible supply of foodstuffs and to assist that object tho people should exercise strict economy in order to swell the amount available for the Motherland. With more ships, more activity in dealing with the menace, more food grown, and more economy in consumption, there need he no cause for anxiety as to Britain being able to solve the food problem and reduce the submarine menace to a minimum. The urgency of increased food production is not a matter of a hut of several years, for the depletion that is now going on in Europe will he a source of trouble for, probably, a decade. The British Premier, while expressing confidence in the result, emphasises the need for tho utmost economy. His stirring speccli on this subject should -be read with the greatest interest.