CO129-508-12 The fouling of two Government sub-marine cables by the U.S.S. Jason 21-11-1927 - 13-2-1928 — Page 7

The Chief Engineer,

Crown Agents for the Colonies.

7

of 1250 dollars to cover the cost of repairing the cable,

and 1065 dollars for "depreciation" of the cable due to the

damage.

5. The United States Naval Department agrees to pay

the sum claimed in respect of repairs, but it takes exception

to paying the amount claimed for "depreciation" for the

following reasons:-

(a)

(b)

(3)

6.

"the depreciation cannot well be determined".

"the question of the amount of depreciation of

cables is highly theoretical with no absolute means of checking".

"it appears from information furnished the Navy

Department that the general practice is to repair any cables damaged and the cost of repairs is paid by the party causing the damage".

The claim for depreciation is based on the

assumption that the damage sustained has reduced the

estimated life of the cable by 15%. At first sight this

assumption appears reasonable, but on further consideration

it is not at all clear that the actual life of the cable will be affected by the damage. While the three joints

cable it cannot be

are undoubtedly weak places in the

maintained that they will have the effect of shortening

the life or even of impairing the usefulness of the cable

provided the joints have been well made and all the

incidental work efficieney performed, The efficiency of a Joint is, however, very largely dependent upon the skill and care exercised in making the Joint and in lowering the cable into position again. If the work has been properly done the cable may run the full length of its estimated life without giving any trouble whatever; on the other hand faulty

work