The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1918-10-08
U-BOATBUILDING
NOW AT PEAK, Is
GEDDES REPORT.
First Lord of British Ad-
miralty on Visit to
Washington.
FLANDERS BASES CLOSED
Submarines Now Compelled to
Take Long Northern Route
to the Atlantic.

S6scdI Dtspdfch to THu SUS.
WASHINGTON, Oct. with the ar
rival here to-day Of Sir Eric Geddes,
First Lord OF the British Admiralty,
and the British Naval Mission accom-
panying him, new facts bearing on the
submarine campaign were disclosed.
1t became known that the produc-
ton Of submarines in Germany in re-
cent months has increased greatly and
's now larger than at any time since
the war began. But the defensive
measures are succeeding SO we'll that
this increased production has been
more than OFFSET. Previous declara-
tions by Sir Eric still hold good, that
the submarine is held but not mas
tered.
Sir Eric is here on a. short visit to
return that OF Franklin Roosevelt. As
sistant Secretary Of the Navy, and to
discuss naval matters with Secretary
Daniels and his staff. Admiral Dun.
another member of the British Ad-
miralty. accompanies him.
Admiralty Flag IL shown.
The nag OF the Admiralty was flown
on the ship which brought them here.
IT, first appearance outside Of Rritish
waters. The flying Of the ing sagni-
fes that q. board OF the Admiralty Is
on the ship and fully empowered to
negotiate without referring decisions
to the Home Once for approval or in
corsement.
A new light was thrown by the Brit
fish visitors on the reported German plan
TO abandon the submarine bases in
Flanders. II appears that with the
Straits Of Dover now closed TO the sub
marines through the measures put into
effect in the last few months the useful
ness OF these bases has disappeared. All
submarines must now seek the Atlantic
by the northern route. for which Will
helmshaven is a better base.
While not seeking 10 dispaTage the et-
feet OF the campaign on these bases, the
naval experts made il plain that the
Flanders t1otilla OF submarines. to which
a large proportion of the lossos used to
be due, no longer has reason TO exist
Drop Seven Tons OF Bombs Daily.
The British navy has been dropping
seven tons OF bombs every day upon
these bases for some time, which was
another reason why the Germans de-
cided to give them up. The blockadins
ships are still in the channel. but the
Germans cut hole through the wall
and managed TO get some OF their sub
marines out.
By compelling submarines to take tn,
longer route to reach the Atlantic SiI
Eric said their efficiency had been 70
ducod at least one-third. Another caus,
for the reduction in sinlSings outside o,
the successful defensive measures are
the poorer crews with which tho U-boat,
are now manned.
The British coast patrol is now &c
effective that the submarines have moved
out into the Atlantic. This has like
| wise. reduced the number OF sinkings
but the average size OF ships sunk ha,
lncrea sed somewhat Also Il was dis
closed at tho interview to-day that sink
ings at night are now as numerous al
those in the daytime. a new feature o.
tho submarine campaign.
1t was pointed out by Sir Eric tha
the convoy system which has so success
fully achieved its purpose necessarily ha,
reduced the number OF vessels to be useC
for offensive purposes against the sub
| marines Germany has realised, he said
| that IL the submarine was to continu,
to be a factor at all It would only b,
| through a material increase In the mum
Der OF new submarines turned odt II
| the last few months she has concen
trated her efforts on this plan.
Praises American Navy.
In a statement tonight Sir Eric said
my visit to tho United States, II
company with Vice Admiral Duff. tn,
Assistant Chief OF the Naval Stan at tn,
Admiralty. Is In response to a mos
cordial invitation extended to us by tn,
Secretary of the United States Navy. Mr.
Daniels intimated to me recently tina
q visit OF representatives OF tho British
Board OF Admiralty to discuss certain
matters concerning the naval situation
would be very welcome TO tho Navy De
partment and himself
PERSONALLY, have the added pleasur,
of renewing my acquaintance with tn,
United States. where as a young man
pa ssed some strenuous years learnini
lumber and railway work and maxim,
many good friend.
|