UNDER-WATER ATTACK.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2625, 6 October 1909, Page 5

UNDER-WATER ATTACK.

GERMAN SUBMARINES AND ENGLAND’S' PORTS. The development of under-water attack, with non-stop runs by submarines of 500 oh 600 miles, has brought the English coast well within striking distance of German submarines. It is said that this fact is one of the arguments for going away north to the Firth of Forth to establish, at Rosvtli, a naval base, where fleets may lie in safety. The same fear lurks behind the recent testing of English harbor defences, when the “boom” at Portsmouth was successfully “rushed” by an old destroyer, the Ferret, armed with a special cutting apparatus. Ports like Dover, where the new Admiralty harbor is approaching completion, are directlv affected. - When Admiral Galster speaks of “Germany’s particular needs he means Britain. Germany at present is a long way behind in the submarine race, though very forward in the Dreadnought race. The third German submarine was launched from the imperial yards at Kiel about April last, and there were then under construction five submarines which had been commenced before the end of the financial year of 190 S. How many submarines are included in the German 1909 progmmme has never been stated. Against this limited number, Britain had 57 submarines complete for sea last March. These have since been largely added to. In May last one firm alone, Vickers and Maxim, turned out six. Britain leads the world in sub-aqueous craft.