Up to May 1940 the losses of British, Allied and neutral ships from enemy' action averaged 40.000 tons a. week, For the next seven months the average remained obstinately at Just under 90,000 tons. During the last 11 weeks. however, the losses have averaged at about 81,000 tons.
The first Lord did not attribute the diminution entirely fo the improved measures of protection, but the thought that hey were justified in counting them as at least one certain reason, amongst ocher things.
We must expect the enemy to make heavy attacks and we may receive grievous blows, he said. The enemy has used every conceivable means to attack us in this vital spot—urking nulness. powerful raiders, aircraft. stealthy E-boats and submarines, Counter-measures to long-range aircraft attacks are being developed, but he would not reveal their nature.
As our resources grovi, s0 will raid fers' opportunities become fewer. Mr. Alexander said.
As for U-boat attacks, the expansion of aerial reconnaissance will become progressively more dificult for enemy to avoid. while the Royal Air Force will continue to dislocate the organization of U-boas patrols by attacks upon their bases.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.