24 NOVEMBER 1917, Page 2

After two relatively good weeks, last week's return of losses

by mine or submarine was unfavourable. We lost ten merchantmen over 1,600 tons and, seven smaller vessels. Two. were attacked without success. The total number of ships entering and clearing from our ports last week was larger than usual, but the enemy must have made a special effort to increase his destructiveness. Clearly, it is far too soon to say that the submarine menace has been overcome, though the Navy by unremitting effort has checked it.