AN ECHO OF THE GENEVA NAVAL CONFERENCE [To the Editor
of the SrEorAxott.1
Sin,—In American navaL circles it is believed that at the Geneva conference the British Admiralty stood out for the- smaller guns, not only because they wanted a greater reduction in armament, but also because a 6-inch gun is the largest. which can be mounted- in an ocean liner or merchant ship. .
In the event of war England could over-night increase her effective fleet by arming her large merchant service and America could- not maintain equality.; but were cruisers mounted with 8-inch guns this new fleet would be of little use.
Whether this theory be true I do not know ; but when a man wishes to make an agreement it is as important that he under- stand the arguments of his opponent as that he judge their truth. Certainly, too, it is difficult to believe that the experts, who would by tradition "fortify the moon against a possible attack from Mars," desired a policy more pacific than' did. Lord Cecil from a simple love of peace.—! am, Sir, &C.,
A. C. CANDLER.
1029 Yale College, New Haven, Conn., U.S.A.
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