UNITED STATES NAVAL FORCES.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 August 1918, Page 3

UNITED STATES NAVAL FORCES.

250 SHIPS MANNED BV 43,000 , OFFICERS AND MEN. London, July 4. American naval forces, comprising 250 Vessels and 43,000 men, are now in European waters, operating in all areas from the White Sea to the Adriatic, Admiral Sims declared to-day in a speech at tho Anglo-American fellowship meeting. General Biddle, who also spoke, declared that "we have ten million, just like the soldiers marching to-day in various British cities, who can be brought over when needed." "We have now in European waters about 250 vessels, 3000 officers and 40,000 men, serving in all areas from the White Sea to the Adriatic," Sims said, "During tho coming year three times the present number of destroyers will be fighting with the Allies. Moße than 1-50 submarine chasers soon will be in the war zone. Half of them are here now. The submarine campaign has been met by the Allies by sinking submarines faster than they can be built, and building merchant ships faster than they can be sunk. The submarine warfare undoubtedly will be continued to the end, but it cannot win tho war. The significance of this is that it surely touches all the hearts in America to-day* and henceforth its observance will commemorate not only our independence, but the emancipation of all Englishspeaking peoples from all that is tending to keep them from a real knowledge and understanding of each other." General Biddle said in part: "Our soldiers are now stationed all over England and Scotland. Some of them are staying only a few days, while others take several months' training. Everywhere they have found the same friendliness and generosity. Cities, associations, and individuals rival each other to do their best for the Americans. Hospitals, beautiful homes and parks have been put at our disposal. All of us feel deeply to-day's country-wids celebration. We have ten million men just like the soldiers marching to-dav in various British cities, who can well be brought over when needed. America is in the war to stay and to fight to the finish for democracy."