Vice-Admiral Sims, who was also a guest of the English-
Speaking Union, made a brief and interesting statement about U '-boat strength. Many people thought that from fifty to a hundred U '-boats kept the sea at the same time ; the average number was eight or nine, with an occasional run up to twelve or thirteen. He wished to correct the American belief that the United States Navy was doing at least a half of the anti-submarine work. There were about five thousand anti-' 1:1 '-boat craft out, day and night ; America's contribution was three per cent. of that totaL Great Britain had transported two-thirds, and escorted one-half, of America's first million and a half of men to reach Europe. The convoy system had enormously reduced the shipping losses. Anti-' U' -boat operations were made possible only by the power of the British Grand Fleet. If it were destroyed, nothing could save the. Allies. It was the foundation-stone of their common cause. The Service which does not advertise will welcome this tribute from an American seaman.
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