NAVIES AND NATIONS. By H. C. Bywater. (Constable. 12s.)-Mr. Bywater's
book bears the sub-title A Review of Naval Developments Since the Great War. The burden of Empire defence, the Singapore base, the Washington Con- ference and the Naval Treaty that followed it, the special problems and policies of America, Japan and France and, lastly, the question of Disarmament receive treatment. As the naval correspondent of the Daily News, the author has learned the art of stating briefly and clearly both sides of a case. He has made a special study of Pacific rivalries ; but his chapter on French naval policy, which shows the virtual acceptance by the French authorities of the German view of submarine warfare, is, perhaps, the most important. The concluding paragraphs of the book contain doubtful statements such as " It is useless to disguise the fact that we are no longer in an economic position to maintain and lead in the face of determined competition." That judgment would need a great deal of demonstration. But, where a book plainly outweighs in importance everything else of the kind that has appeared in recent years, we will not cavil
too nicely. Mr. Bywater ought to secure a wide public. Members.of Parliament should not leave him unread. -
Previous page
