THE BATTLE OF JUTLAND.
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—The article in the Spectator of February 16th, signed Robert Boothby, may, like a certain brand of cocoa, be grateful and comforting to Admiral Jellicoe. But history will probably describe the Battle of Jutland as an indecisive action, which had little, if anything, to do with the surrender of the German Fleet, and is more likely to attribute it to the success of the Armies in the field, which brought about the Armistice, and in its train the surrender of the German Fleet.
The note of the L.C. of the Admiralty, in the third volume of the late Sir Julian Corbett's book, Naval Operations, sets forth their views quite clearly :— " The L.C.A. have given the author access to official docu- ments in preparation of this work, but they are in no way responsible for its production, or for the accuracy of its statements. Their Lordships find that some of the prin- ciples advocated in the book, especially the tendency to minimise the importance of seeking battle and of forcing it to a conclusion, are directly in conflict with their views."
Had a crushing defeat been inflicted on the enemy at Jutland, there is reason to believe that the War would have come to an end much sooner, many lives have been saved. and much treasure also.—I am, Sir, &c., 14 Bramham Gardens, S.W. 5.
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