AU that it is necessary to note is that the Germans
had so chosen their time that they were able to
avoid decisive battle with Sir John JeUicoe's fleet by
retreating in the failing Ught of the day, and that

16



The Centre of Sea-Power

their adventure availed them nothing to break the
blockade or otherwise to modify the impotent position
in which they are placed at sea. That action operated
to the disadvantage of England and her Allies in no
degree whatever. The superiority of the British Fleet
as a fighting engine had been placed beyond dispute.
The mine and the submarine have put an end to
the system of naval blockade as practised by St.
Vincent and Comwallis. No fleet can now lie off,,
or within striking range of, an enemy's port. Battle-
ships cannot be risked against submarines, acting
either as torpedo craft or mine-layers, nor against
swift destroyers at night. That is the explanation
of the situation which has arisen in the North Sea.
