Omaha daily bee., 1917-03-16
Statement Declares Results
Must Be Singularly Disap.
pointing to Germans.
STATISTICS FOR PERIOD

London, March lS,-The Associat-
ed Press has been placed In posses
sion of review of the first six weeks
of the German unrestricted submarine
campaign. The figures given are from
the Board of Trade reports, and the
conclusions are those of a highly COM
petent authority. The review says:
THE German submarine campaign,
reported to have assumed enhanced
vigor on February |, must be singu-
larly Disappointing to the Germans
themselves. At the beginning of Jam
uary, 1917, Great Britain possessed
approximately 1891 vessels of 1000
tons and over. Many others of lesser
tonnage are not taken into considera-
ton, owing to the importance Of re-
stricting the question of overseas
traffic and cargo, judging the results
carefully and looking to possible fu-
ture developments.
From February until March IA
the losses of British ships of over
1000 tons were approximately seven
ty-eight, which number deducted from
the total, leaves the British mercan-
tile marine with 1858 ships of over
1000 tons after six weeks German
submarine warfare.
1T should be remembered that
very large proportion of tonnage is
on the stocks building for the British
mercantile marine, and fair per-
centage of the tota, is being turned
out monthly. In the total above men.
toned no account is taken of ships
completed or bought in neutral coun,
tries.
During the period from February
| to March 10 no British ships have
been in any way blockaded in harbor
Every opportunity of carrying out
their plans has been at the DISPOSE
ton Of the Germans after their dec
laration of unrestricted submarine
warfare. 1t is extremely improbable
that the German authorities will ever
have the same opportunity, for the
following reasons:
"First-A large number of old
tramp steamers, slow of speed, have
been sunk, as they afforded easy prey.
"Second-Their efforts would be
directed for the first six weeks or
two months toward producing the
most considerable results by careful
organization and administration with
a view to affecting the morale OF neu-
trail nations. A careful study of the
German methods has been made by
the British naval authorities and anti
submarine measures have been adopt
ed which, as the outcome OF expe-
rience, have attained large. measure
OF success.
"Third-The arming of merchant
vessels is rapidly taking place and it
is capable of proof that a submarine
takes particular care in attacking
armed vessels, a large percentage Of
which always escape"
The report continues:
Fourth-Anti-submar devices are be-
Ing perfected but little time must necessar-
lily elapse in order that they should receive
proper trial.
Fifth-The German naval authorities are
bound to find some difficulty in replacing
the trained personnel Of which they have
lost considerable portion. II should be
that there is considerable DIFF
ference between efficiency Of individual
O. mmanders, and the greatest losses have
ben incurred through the action of Q few
German submarine commanders, who by
their skill and training stand far above
the average U-boat officers who leave Ger
many on missions Of destruction,
The loses ofthe British mercantile ma
rine are being reduced During the last
two weeks only twenty-nine have been
sunk, opposed to forty eight sunk In the
first two weeks The vessels engaged in
the coastal trade are continually exposed
10 German submarines, and are naturally
included in = German submarine command
ers reports
The most serious aspect Of the German
warfare is that reflected by
consideration Of post bellum conditions
with regard to shortage Of world tonnage.
Besides affecting tn whole world It 10
likely to effect most seriously the smaller
nations who have no mercantile marine
II their own to rely upon and are depend
mt upon that of other nations for their /
lea traffic. However much the Germans
nay desire to force neutrals to lay up |
heir vessels and close neutral harbors, |
uch state of things cannot exist long
BECAUSE the neutrals themselves must OBJ |
he intense economic situation. which at
present obtains in Germany This fact is
necessarily better known to the neutrals |
themselves than to those not Immediately |
concerned. As regards the general situa- |
ion of the submarine warfare, 1t may thus |
70 summed up: 1t is having a more seri-
JUS effect upon European neutrals than |
lpon belligerent mercantile marine. The |
Continual losses of ships will seriously effect |
'ost belum trade. The losses of British |
mercantile vessels in the first six weeks
epresent precentageof 80, while the av-
rage daily movement Of vessels in United |
Kingdom ports is TO, This figure excerpts |
lshing and local craft.
II the same rate of destruction were to |
continue this average 1t would takt at
g st year to reduce the British mercan-
lie marine by one half, without taking |
nto consideration additional tonnage pro-
ured from building or purchase.
Food restrictions in Great Britain are
cry necessary and have been Imposed in