Navy Department Communique No. 16

DECEMBER 23, 1941

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué, on the naval situation based on reports received up to 9 a. m. (e. s. t.) today:

Atlantic Theater.
There are no new developments to report.

Eastern Pacific.
Two U. S. merchant ships were attacked by enemy submarines off the Pacific Coast. Both attacks were unsuccessful.

Central Pacific.
Wake Island sustained another strong air attack in the forenoon of the 22d. Several enemy planes were shot down. An enemy force effected a landing on Wake the morning of the 23d.

Far East.
Japanese claims of seizure of a large number of American merchant vessels are without foundation. The only U. S. merchant vessel known to have been seized by the Japanese is the S. S. President Harrison.