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The tanker Giulio Giordani, 10,700 tons, is reported to have struck a mine when entering Taranto last June and in consequence to have been in dock for two months. She is said to be still at Taranto.
British Contraband Control.
19. During the month of January 3,120 tons of cargo intended for the enemy were seized in prize, the main items being 3,046 tons of hides, skins and leather, and 52 tons of textiles. The total seizures since the beginning of the war now amount to 757,980 tons.
U.S.A.
20. The U.S. Pacific Fleet has been, in the main, concentrated at Pearl Harbour, Honolulu, since the 31st January. The concentration consisted of eleven battleships, five aircraft carriers, nine heavy cruisers, nine light cruisers and two flotillas of destroyers. The Asiatic Fleet consisting of three cruisers, 15 destroyers and twenty-four submarines is in the Manila area.
The Far East.
21. The rumours of the cancellation of Japanese merchant ship sailings and the requisitioning of ships have not been confirmed, either from our own sources in the Far East or by the U.S. Naval Authorities.
A Japanese Naval Mission has left for Lisbon in the s.s. Asaku Maru, 7,399 tons. The ship, which has a naval crew and flies the Japanese Naval Flag, is due at Panama on the 7th February and Lisbon on the 20th February.
It is thought very likely that it is intended to use this ship to bring back machinery which is too large to be sent from Germany by the Trans-Siberian railway. The machinery is needed for new Japanese Naval construction.
MILITARY SITUATION.
Germany Reports of troop concentrations.
In Norway.
22. The number of German troops in Northern Norway, viz., 3-4 divisions, is considered larger than is necessary for mere garrison purposes, but not excessive as a safeguard against a possible Russian move, or against a British landing which the Germans are said to expect. There is no definite indication of any change in the number of German divisions in this area or of any excessive amount of shipping in North Norwegian ports, such as might point to an expedition to Iceland, Ireland, or the North of Scotland.
Invasion.
23. Reports of invasion in the Spring-according to some sources in February-are being received in increasing numbers from various quarters. Many of them mention details of preparations, such as training of parachutists, manufacture of parachutes and of water and fire proof suits, the issue of British uniforms to German troops, and intensive manufacture of gas.
Two reports suggest that the main attack will come across the Channel, which will be closed at its narrowest point to form a lane of approach.
In Belgium.
24. Reports of German troop concentrations in Belgium have also been received recently, but these are not confirmed.
In Italy.
25. Reports of the presence of German troops are still conflicting, but it now seems probable that there are possibly 2 or 3 divisions, including armoured and motorised units, in Southern Italy and Sicily.
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