The Daily News. TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 1918. SHIPPING AND SUBMARINES.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 March 1918, Page 4

The Daily News. TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 1918. SHIPPING AND SUBMARINES.

The statement winch waa made last Wednesday in the House of Commons by tho First Lord of 'the Admiralty (Sir Eric Geddes) concerning the shipping position and the losses by submarines, did not prove the sensation which was expected in some quarters. All the same it was welcome by reason of its reassuring tone, though the gravity of the position, especially as to the delay in new construction, still remains. A considerable fund of criticism haa been expended upon Sir Erie Geddes' speech and its author, a considerable proportion of which is the outcome of political partisanship, heavily veiled under tlu cloak of national interests. It is so easy to criticise in general terms not only the text of a speech, but the omissions which thoso endowed with heavenborn wisdom consider are more important than tho statements made. When Sir Eric Geddes undertook hi 3 present office —one of the most responsible positions in the Cabinet —he did not propose to perform miracles, but to devote iiimself and his great abilities, heart and soul, to naval administration, and there is no doubt that one of the gravest and uncongenial duties which 'he has encountered was that connected with Admiral Jellicoe's resignation. To this unpopular event may be ascribed a good measure of the criticisms that are now being made. It is always a difficult task to review any cabled report of an important pronouncements, for the reason that at best, it is only a summary. The absence of the context is a severe handicap,, hut this has to be overcome by tihe existence of common sense and care. Taking the speech as a wbole it appears to be a fair commentary on the shipping sitnatien, though possibly not as full ai might be wished. At the same time it must ibe remembered that many of the points on which we should like information are .such as it would no;, be politic to disclose. Briefly stated the position is that [Britain has lost during the war a fifth at her tannage. GmaHerbig that

Germany's aim was to starve Britain by sinking as liuuiy vessels as possible, and taking into account tin; advantages possessed by submarines for this purpose, the marvel is Hint the losses—great as they have been—were not infinitely larger, and it is matter for congratulation to all concerned that the lossses have been minimised so successfully. The crux of the position is the replacement by new vessels, and it is here that most dissatisfaction exists, so that it is. reassuring to know that although the output of new tonnage has been far below •requirements, yet we are told by Sir Erie Geddes that it is well within the capacity of the Allied ; .irds—even of the British yards—before very' long', with a proper supply of material and man power, to replace entirely the world's losses, on the present figures. Considering that before the intense submarine warfare began Britain was over 1,200,-000 tons to the bad it is remarkable that the position now is not far worse than is the case, and as there are at present forty-seven large British shipyards wholly engaged on the construction of ocean-going merchantmen, the arrears should in the near future be made up. The First Lord's statement is ono that should inspire confidence, as it indicates the probability of the new tonnage output by the Allies and neutrals far exceeding the losses at the present rate. The campaign of destruction is still serious, but it would seem the darkest days of the menace are over and that the outlook is more promising than it has been since the sinking campaign was started. It is certain that Sir Eric Geddes' facts and figures will be studied with the greatest interest, and there should 'bo a feeling of relief at the deductions to bo drawn therefrom- The total absence of heroics enhances the clear, calm and reliable subject matter of the speech, and demonstrates that in the present First Lord of thg Admiralty the Empire had just the man it needs to preside over its first arm of defence. The closer the statement is examined the more this conclusion is apparent, and we may confidently rely on every effort being put forth not only to combat the submarines, but to replenish the mercantile marine the adequacy of whjch is so vital to Britain as well as to the .Dominions..