"THE DIRECTION OF WAR."
[To THE EDITOR OP THE "SPECTATOR."]
Sia,—In a review of my book The Direction of War, which was published in your issue of June 18th, it is stated that "it is difficult to realize that the strategy of the future is likely to be unaffected by the introduction of such weapons as tanks and gas," factors that were not mentioned by me. May I be allowed to point Out that Marshal Pock holds different opinions from those of your reviewer, for the Marshal is reported to have said that ." the rules and principles of war are always the same. It matters nothing whether your soldier is on his feet in the open or shut up inside a tank. The principles on which he must fight are unalterable. The development of the art of war is like that of the art of architecture. The materials you use for your buildings may change. They may be wood, stone, or steel. But the static principles on which your house must be built are permanent." Your reviewer was unable to find any refer- ence in my book to the strategical relation of Ireland to Great Britain. Nevertheless, this is mentioned—see p. 190. The strategic importance of the Panama Canal was not dealt with because it is controlled by the United States of America.I am, Sir, &c., W. D. Bien. Royal Hospital (West Gate), Chelsea, S.W. 3.
[The reviewer regrets that he failed to recollect the para- graph of nine lines in which General Bird deals with the strategical relation of Ireland to the -United Kingdom.—En. Spectator.]
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