The Times of Tuesday states that the small fleet of
steam trawlers which the Admiralty has purchased during the past two or three weeks is to be used solely for the purpose of dis- covering submarine mines which might be laid in time of war. It states that some time ago experiments were made with two Grimsby trawlers, experiments which proved highly successful. Numerous dummy mines laid for the purpose were swept up in such a businesslike manner as largely to reduce the offensive possibilities of live mines, although the complete results of the experimental operations have been kept secret. If, as we believe will be found to be the case, the trawlers are able to clear spaces of water sown with mines very rapidly, one of the chief anxieties which have haunted our naval officers will be removed. It will be remembered that the Japanese Navy during the war suffered more damage from floating mines than from any other cause. While summarising the state- ment of the Times, we feel bound to express our deep regret that the Admiralty should have allowed information to leak out on this very important question. The matter was one on which we should have thought that secrecy was imperative. r.nfortunately the Admiralty seems to find it extraordinarily difficult to keep its secrets. Of late one has almost been tempted to believe that it has adopted as its motto the saying of Delane "Publicity is my business."
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