It is our contention that an army is absolutely unnecessary and would simply have the effect of provoking military reprisals.

If we, by any chance in the future, were drawn into war, our navy would be at the service of our allies.

What more could any country ask than to have assured for them the absolute control of the sea ?" "That's all very well," Norgate assented.

"It might be our fair share on paper, and yet it might not be enough.

What about our navy if Antwerp, Ostend, Dunkirk, Calais, Boulogne, and Havre were all German ports, as they certainly would be in an unassisted conflict between the French and the Germans ?" They were within hearing now of the music of the band.