Navy Department Communique No. 31

JANUARY 20, 1942

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

Far East.
A motor torpedo boat under Admiral Hart’s Far Eastern Command entered Binanga Bay, inside the entrance to Subic Bay, Philippine Islands, and torpedoed an unidentified enemy vessel of 5,000 tons in a night attack. This small boat carried out its difficult task while under fire of machine guns and 3 inch shore batteries. Lt. John D. Bulkeley has been commended for executing his mission successfully.

Atlantic Area.
Enemy submarine activity is continuing off the East Coast of North America from Cape Hatteras to Newfoundland. The sinkings of the tankers, Norness, Coimbra, and Allan Jackson have been accompanied by attacks on other vessels within the territorial limits of the United States. Strong counter measures are being taken by units of the Navy’s East Coastal Command.
There is nothing to report from other areas.