Lord Crewe admitted that the situation was in some respects
grave, but it was untrue that there was any differ- ence of opinion in the Cabinet. He fully appreciated the importance of maintaining such a force in the Mediter- ranean as would prove that we did not intend to give up our present position or rely upon the help of any friendly Power. At the same time it was unreasonable to take into account every conceivable combination of hostile Powers, A coalition of the Austrian and Italian fleets against us was unlikely. Probably the shipbuilding programmes of those Powers which had not had great naval experience would not be realized. Moreover, if we greatly accelerated our own programme other Powers might accelerate and enlarge theirs. At present he did not admit that Mr. Churchill was " running it too fine." Lord Midleton urged that the Mediterranean garrisons should be brought up to their former strength. Lord Haldane ended the debate by arguing that the Mediter- ranean garrisons were adequate if our sea-power was adequate, and he maintained that for the present it was so. He was not, however, an easy-going optimist. The situation was most trying and needed careful watching. The Government were determined to remain superior in sea-power.
Previous page
