The evening world., 1918-06-15
j BOAT BLOCKADE
Of US. UNLIKELY,
SAYS WEMYSS
British Sea Lord Declares
Operations Here Should Not
Be Taken Seriously.

ciatcd Prcss). - German submarine
activity on the Atlantic coast Of tho
limited states should not be taken
very seriously, as the Germans prob
ably will not attempt a blockade OF
tho American shores. This Ia the
opinion OF Vice Admiral Sir Rosslyn
wemyss, FIRST Sea Lord OF the Brit
ish Admiralty.
This development should not be
taken very seriously" no said in re-
ply TO a general inquiry as to What
Importance he attached TO the German
sinking Of shipping of the American
coast.
"If I were inclined TO bet. I should
say there has not been more than
one submarine on the American
coast. ! may be wrong. but that is
the impression have formed. That
conclusion Ats in with my interpreta-
tion OF the enemy's object
"The Germans cannot hope to main
tain anything in the character OF
blockade. The distance is too great
from their bases.
THE enemy has merely made a
demonstration with the hope of caus-
ing us 10 decentralize our efforts 10
put down the submarine. His object
Is TO frighten the American people in
the hope that they may exert their
influence on their naval authorities.
"The Germans. you may be sure,
have been studying the charts and
In sending one OF their so-callod sub
marine cruisers to the American
coast they thought to raise an out
cry In the United States against the
policy, which is now being pursued.
OF fighting the submarines in the
narrow seas.
well. Judge both from official
information and cable dispatches in
the newspapers that they have al
ready failed in their purpose. II
looks as though they had merely
brought the war home to the Amer
lean people. reminding them in this
dramatic way that the seas are all
one and that they have a common in
terest with us and the other Allies in
oonquering the power which invented
this modern form OF piracy. That
represents. another defeat for the
Germans"
The conversation passed TO the
manner in which the American naval
forces have co-operated In the Euro
pean waters.
You know. OF course" the First
Sea Lord continued, that for more
than a year past American men-of-
war have been operating from
Queenstown. 1t also has been known
for some time that there arc Ameri-
can ships in the Mediterranean. 1 do
not think 1t can be regarded as n
secret from the Germans that Ameri-
can men-of-war are also acting
against the enemy off Gibraltar"
This cooperation constitutes a re-
markable testimonial 10 the strategic
insight OF the American naval author
tiles who have not hestitated 10 send
battleships to Join the Grand Fleet in
the North Sea-"
Discussing the relations of the two
navics. Admiral wcmyss said:
"On the broad lines OF strategic
policy complete unanimity eusts,
Admiral Benson and Admiral Mayo
have both visited US and studied our
naval plans No officers could have
exhibited kcener appreciation OF the
naval situation ! find II difficult "a
express tho gratitude OF the British
service 10 these officers and 10 Ad.
miral Sims for the support they have
given US. / am not exaggerating OF
camouflaging. to borrow a word OF
the moment Our relations could mo-
be more cordial
| THE American ON cers and men are
nrst rate. II Is impossible TO pa,
/ too high "A tribute TO the manner Ar
which they settled down TO this ioi
OF submarine hunting. and 10 the in.
ltelligence, resource and courag,
which they have exhibited"
They have been splendid. hmpl,
splendid have seen a number o
the destroyers and conVeraed with
| hhhibNA VI SA'N'A@ nav
had many reports and am not sneak
ing of the aid the United States ha
rendered without full knowledge.
mot only are tho vessels we'll con
structed and the officers and meI
thoroughly competent, but the organ
iZation Is admirable.
! This submarine business will no
have any effect on a transport move
ment which. Judged from tho stand
point OF a seaman. has no parallel 4
history. A year ago the enemy wa
boasting that his submarines yo,ll
prevent American troops being NOV O
TO Europe. ] do not know whethe
that statement was ever believed 1
GarmAny, or whether II was merel
put about in the belief that 1t woul
make tho Americana nervous, bu
whichever II was. neither the threat
nor the performances Of the u boa,
have affected the movement.
THAT is q very remarkable fai
which, judging by the German news
papera, Is producing a great impre:
sion In Germany. Not so long az
the falling OF In sinkings OF tomas
was explained by tho enemy as bein
due to. the fact that there were fe
ships to- attack.
And now In the face OF That stat,
lment American troops are comir
lacroc. the Atlantic week by week /
tens of thousands and moving TN