9. UIT DE PERS.
In The Singapore Free Press van 16 Januari 1939 troffen wij
het volgende Amerikaansche inzicht aan m.b.t. de waarde van
torpedo-motorbooten voor de rechtstreeksche kustverdediging der
Philippijnen.
170
„MOSQUITO" CRAFT WILL DEFEND P.I.
UNIQUE NAVAL EXPERIMENT.
(Free Press Special).
Washington, Jan. 3.
Naval experts here are watching with keen interest the Philip
pines' plan to protect its coastline with a fleet of speedy „mosquito
craft".
The announcement that the first consignment of the little torpedo
boats, now under construction in England will be delivered to the
Commonwealth Government shortly prompted discussion in naval
circles as to the value of such craft for defence purposes.
Experts are agreed that these vessels are the best protection pos
sible for a small nation unable or unwilling to pour millions of
dollars into a fleet of major power proportions. They are particularly
well-suited for the Philippines because of the islands' broken coastline.
A fleet of these vessels could not hope to match the force of a
major sea power, but observers believe that if handled expertly
they could cause considerable trouble to an attacking force and pos
sibly hold off the enemy until an ally could rush to the scene.
Adaptable Craft.
Navy experts say that among the chief (advantages of a mosquito
boat fleet is the ease with which the vessels can be concealed, their
great speed and manoeuvrability, and their adaptability to surprise
attack
Travelling at from 40 to 45 knots, the vessels could speed under
the cover of darkness to enemy ships, discharge their projectiles and
return to their bases.
One naval official described the torpedo craft as a „weapon of sur
prise and opportunity".
„They would be difficult to manage in rough weather", he explained,
"but in a calm sea at night or during a fog they could cause no end
of embarrassment to vessels much larger than themselves.
„They would be unable to stand off a concerted enemy attack for
long, but while they were active they might be able to send a couple
of cruisers to the bottom or at least place them out of commission",
he said.
Value for money.
Supported by aircraft and a well-trained and well-armed land force,
experts say the mosquito fleet should be able to provide the islands
with a protection unequalled at the cost.