New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-06-21
80 British Vessels Are
Sunk; Toll Heaviest
in Six Weeks
Germany Using
Bigger Raiders
England's Loss 2,2OO,-
900 Tons Since
February l

Lcndon, June 2O.-Slnklngs OF British
ships by German U-boats increased
again last week, reaching the fourth
highest figure recorded since ruthless
warfare began February /, and con-
stituting the heaviest toll of any week
since that ended May 5.
According to the Admiralty report,
issued to-day, twenty-seven vessels
of more than 1900 tons were sent
to the bottom by mines or submarines
and five vessels of lesser tonnage. For
the first time in long period no fish
ing craft were sunk.
Despite the increase in the sinkings
there was an increase in shipping ac-
tivity, 2,897 vessels of all nationalities
arriving at ports in the British Isles
and 1898 departing-a total movement
of $500 ships. There was also an in
crease in the number of British
craft unsuccessfully attacked. thirty
one such cases being reported. 1t is
noted that three of the larger ships
sunk, and one of the smaller, were sent
TO the bottom in previous period, but
not reported.
The aggregate number Of sinkings
announced by the British Admiralty
during March, April. May and June
total 1886 among the larger ships and
III among the smaller vessels.
Allowing 5000 tons to all vessels
over 1900 tons and 1000 tons to all
under that tonnage, fair average In
both classes, the destruction OF British
shipping throughout the four-month
period totals 1,77700O tons. IL is
acknowledged that the loss of tonnage
in February ran over 100000. Con-
sequently, German submarines have
sunk about 100000 tons of British
shipping since February !.
Neutral Losses Heavy
This is the destruction in British
merchant ships alone. 1t does not in
clude, of course, the very onsiicrable
losses among American, French, Italian
or other Allied shipping, and the heavy
losses among the neutrals. In March,
for example. Norway was second to
Great Britain in the number of ships
lost
the U-boat campaign seems to run
in waves. indicating that the under
water craft are sent out in fleets, the
effectiveness Of which gradually d-
minishes as the torpedo supply is ex-
hausted. Three weeks ago the sub
marine warfare touched its lowest
point. eighteen ships altogether, as
against fifty-one sunk during the
"black week" which ended April %.
During the week ended June -, how
ever, the loss inflicted took decided
Jump, with thlrty-two vessels of both
classes sunk. The same number of
vessels was sunk last week, but the
destruction among capital ships was
greater - twenty-seven as compared
with twenty-five.
Nevertheless, the situation is not re-
gardcd by naval men here with any
pronounced pessimism, even though
last week is said 70 have included one
cay which set q record for the num-
Der Of vessels lost. They insist that
the Admiralty methods of combating
the menace are improving constantly,
and point to the increasing number Of
vessels which escape the U-boats. At
the same time. the German methods of
operation are improving, with new de-
vices for circumventing the patrols and
frequent change of cruising waters.
Reasons for Increase
Several reasons are given for the
upward tendency in losses. First, the
days are now the longest of the year.
Second, the sea is generally calmer
than at any other period. Third. the
number of arrivals and departures has
increased. Fourth. Germany has the
majority of her submersible feet oper-
ating Fifth, Germany has recently
sent out some super-submarines which
are especially fast and well armed.
without attempting TO underrate the
gravity of the menace, IL may be noted
that Great Britain is beginning TO reap
her early harvest of fruit and vege-
tables and that the Scandinavian
neutrals and Spain are now conducting
transsea service closely approximat-
ing that in effect before last year.
Broadly speaking, Britain can regard
her immediate economic future with
less worry than il the present losses
had come six weeks sooner.
Although it is true that the loss Of
every ship interferes with the effective
prosecution of the war, Germany is a
long way from accomplishing what she
set out 70 do. Estimating 100000
tons as Germany's toll on British ship
ping for slightly less than five months.
then the monthly average would run
about $4,000 tons. Vice-Admiral Ca
pelle announced that 100000 tons
loss a month would bring England to
her knees"
Allies Can Stand Losses
Provided America lives up to her
promises and the British shipyards are
able TO continue at their present pace.
the Allies, Admiralty experts say. can
stand the losses at the present rate OF
sinkings. IL comes down 10 a race
between the shipysrds of Germany
and those of the Allies. and the sdvan-
tage is with the latter.
As the outpu. of aeroplanes and sea-