The Problem of National Defence (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1907 Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XI THE REMEDY Organisation as a nation in arms necessary--Outlines of the required organisation--Necessity for immediate action--Nature of training--Oversea garrisons--French system--Cost of universal service--Compulsory universal service--Voluntary universal service--Period of service necessary for the attainment of efficiency--Training of officers. T ET us always keep in view Great Britain's ultimate object if she hopes to win decisive success. It must be to put into effect the principle of success in war, that is, to invade the enemy's home territory with the whole available force which she, in conjunction with the colonies and allies, can bring into line. Her immediate object must be to establish supremacy on the sea betwixt herself and her adversary, as the only means whereby she can reach across the sea to strike. And she must also endeavour to hold the sea communications between herself and the colonies, in order to ensure the safe transport of possible reinforcements, to guard and increase her own commerce, to destroy that of the enemy, and to cut him from his oversea resources. If, however, Great Britain can strike, either single-handed or in conjunction with allies, at a vital point of the enemy, she will, by that means alone, oblige him to discard his offensive operations and to concentrate all his force for his own defence. A blow at a vital point of the enemy is consequently the best, if not the only, safeguard for the British oversea communications as well as for her commerce. It is, indeed, a truism that an extended frontier must be defended by offensive strokes; and there is no nation with so extended a frontier as that of the British Empire. But it is only a nation in arms, or a modern machine of war, which can hope to strike single...