Twin Disasters

Sorrow and indignation were the reactions of most U. S. citizens, last week, to two submarine disasters which are best described in parallel columns. (See cols. 2 and 3.)

Though U. S. naval officers dared not comment officially on the raising of the F-14 within 34 hours, one gallant U.S. Rear-Admiral described the feat privily at Washington as "a miracle of efficiency and speed." Citizens of the U. S. were touched to learn that Captain Weil of the F-14 entered in his diary just before asphyxiation overcame him these words: "We are waiting. We hope."

"Poor mother. Be strong like mothers of--;

The last words clicked by Submarine Telegrapher Trolis were: "Fumes have invaded our last refuge. We are finished. Long live. . . ."

Thus ended the tragedy of the F14, but a courageous epilogue was enacted off Santander, Spain, last week by King Alfonso XIII, Queen Victoria Eugenie and their second son, the Infante Don Jaime. These royal persons, having read the final newspaper accounts of asphyxiation aboard the F14, proceeded to quiet their nerves by entering the Spanish super-submarine 51, which promptly dived beneath Atlantic billows for a short, serene voyage, a safe return.