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Nimble Books LLC
State of the Navy: A Plea for Inquiry
State of the Navy: A Plea for Inquiry
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An eloquent plea for naval reform by the leading opponent of Lord Fisher and the Dreadnought. Sir White's efforts were in vain; their significance lies not just in the historical record, but in the timelessness of arguments against change.
The cover photograph is the predreadnought HMS Ocean.
From the Introduction: "Besides these statements of facts the writer has expressed his opinions frankly, and quoted from the speeches or writings of others who share his view that changes have been made of late years which must be prejudicial in their influence on the efficiency of the Eoyal Navy and on our supremacy at sea. These opinions, of course, stand on an entirely different footing from the statements of facts on which the plea for inquiry is based; and the writer recognises the right of other persons to criticise his opinions and recommendations, just as he has exercised perfect freedom in his own criticisms of recent changes. All that he claims is to have been a life-long student of naval affairs, to have an intimate knowledge of the Naval Service, and an extensive acquaintance with naval officers. He does not suggest that the authors or advocates of recent changes are influenced by improper motives or lacking in patriotism and good intentions. These gentlemen^ no doubt, ardently desire to increase the efficiency of our 'first line of defence,' and are convinced that the changes they have made will secure that result. On the other hand, the writer and many others who are equally desirous for the continued and increasing efficiency of the Koyal Navy, claim the right of criticism and investigation of recent Admiralty action. It is a matter of common knowledge that widespread anxiety exists amongst naval officers of high rank and great experience in regard to the effect of recent Admiralty action and methods. These officers honestly believe that the changes made involve serious dangers to naval efficiency: the writer shares that belief, and in the following pages gives reasons, based upon admitted facts, for the conclusion that mistakes have been made in matters vitally affecting our naval supremacy."
The cover photograph is the predreadnought HMS Ocean.
From the Introduction: "Besides these statements of facts the writer has expressed his opinions frankly, and quoted from the speeches or writings of others who share his view that changes have been made of late years which must be prejudicial in their influence on the efficiency of the Eoyal Navy and on our supremacy at sea. These opinions, of course, stand on an entirely different footing from the statements of facts on which the plea for inquiry is based; and the writer recognises the right of other persons to criticise his opinions and recommendations, just as he has exercised perfect freedom in his own criticisms of recent changes. All that he claims is to have been a life-long student of naval affairs, to have an intimate knowledge of the Naval Service, and an extensive acquaintance with naval officers. He does not suggest that the authors or advocates of recent changes are influenced by improper motives or lacking in patriotism and good intentions. These gentlemen^ no doubt, ardently desire to increase the efficiency of our 'first line of defence,' and are convinced that the changes they have made will secure that result. On the other hand, the writer and many others who are equally desirous for the continued and increasing efficiency of the Koyal Navy, claim the right of criticism and investigation of recent Admiralty action. It is a matter of common knowledge that widespread anxiety exists amongst naval officers of high rank and great experience in regard to the effect of recent Admiralty action and methods. These officers honestly believe that the changes made involve serious dangers to naval efficiency: the writer shares that belief, and in the following pages gives reasons, based upon admitted facts, for the conclusion that mistakes have been made in matters vitally affecting our naval supremacy."
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