GOOD PROGRESS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 April 1942, Page 3

GOOD PROGRESS

AMERICAN EAST COAST SEA DEFENCES ACTION TO DEFEAT U-BOATS. COLONEL KNOX REPORTS ON INSPECTION. (By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright) (Received This Day. 10.50 a.m.) BOSTON, April 13. The Secretary of the Navy, Colonel Knox, at a Press conference after a tour of inspection of the Atlantic coastal ports, expressed satisfaction at the progress of the shipbuilding programme. He declared that the inshore patrol had been strengthened by over 100 small craft and 100 planes and said that by May 1 the damage inflicted on United States shipping, by submarines off the east coast, will be negligible. “Although we can never reach P er ’ fection against submarine warfare, he added, “we have taken the necessary measures to protect shipping.” He declared that Boston, like Philadelphia, was in a perilous condition and continued: “They are the worst ports I have visited from the standpoint of protection against fire and sabotage. Therefore both ports need adequate protection and mqre patrol boats.” Colonel Knox said he will shortly make a similar tour of the Pacific coast. Commenting on the war, he said: “This is the greatest naval war in history, because it is so widespread. The United States Navy has never seen such responsibility as it now faces, but eventually we will beat the game.”