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On 20.9. at 100 they are to turn back on a course of 650, speed 6 knots. |
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c) |
U 594 refueled from U 461. |
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d) |
U 261 left Kiel on 8.9. on her first operational trip. Since then she has not replied to repeated calls. Several reports of attacks by English planes in AN, AF and AM make it appear that the boat has been sunk by them. No details are known, the boat must be considered lost. |
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| V. |
Reports of Success: |
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| U 516 |
1 ship |
6,000 GRT |
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| I 156 |
1 ship |
4,745 GRT |
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| U 552 |
1 patrol ship |
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| U 98 |
1 ship |
5,000 GRT) |
assumed to be mines. |
| U 69 |
1 ship |
5,000 GRT) |
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| VI. |
General: |
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The following plans for the use of SMA (submarine-laid shaft mines) have been submitted to Naval War Staff. |
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I. |
The size and cruising range of the minelaying submarines suitable for carrying submarine-laid shaft mines make them well-adapted in the main for operations in remote areas - thus, the chances of operating off the coasts of America and Africa must be considered first. Apart from mining activity in these waters, mines could also be laid on occasion in the areas round Iceland and England without wasting much time. An opinion on the conditions in Northern Waters can best be given by the authorities responsible for this area. |
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II. |
Suitable areas for laying SMA (submarine-laid shaft mines) are: |
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a) |
Off the coasts of America: |
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| 1) |
Areas between Boston and Cape Sable, off Halifax, off Sydney, off Cape Race as far as St. Johns. Depths of water, shipping movements and distance from the coast of the areas of a suitable depth are all equally favorable in these places, whilst the mine barrages or mines can be so laid everywhere that the use of Torpedo carrying submarines need not be affected. |
| 2) |
The Mississippi Delta, but as so close inshore and under constant patrol, a more powerful attack would be necessary. |
| 3) |
Cabot Straits, St. Lawrence, Belle Isle Straits, Old Bahama Channel, area round Trinidad. However, these areas will be reserved for torpedo carrying submarines as long as there are opportunities for them there. |
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b) |
Off the coasts of Africa: |
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| 1) |
Outside the South African ports, Durban, East London, Port Elizabeth, Capetown. |
| 2) |
In the Gulf of Guinea off the Congo, Point Noire, Libreville, Lagos and Tacoradi. |
| 3) |
Bathurst, Freetown, Monrovia, Duala, Port Harcourt and Calabar are less favorable. In the last three places, Spanish traffic to Fernando Po must be allowed for. |
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III. |
Apart from purely geographical possibilities, shipping, and the anti-submarine defences influence. The use of submarine-laid shaft mines. |
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a) |
Shipping: |
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| 1) |
The greatest amount of shipping may be expected in American waters, this traffic is also the most important, as it consists of supplies for the European out-posts of our enemy, England. Important supplies for Russia via Iceland also commence their voyage here. |
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