New weapons do not change the rules of warfare but only their application.
Any discussion of the function of aircraft in the modern naval engagement must be prefaced by a consideration of the number and type of aircraft that will be available to each of the opposing fleets. The naval forces of nations upon which circumstances or considerations of policy force the offensive role in the naval campaign are necessarily dependent upon aircraft carried on shipboard. States which, by reason of their geographic position, national policy, or other factors, are apt to assume the naval offensive in the event of war are accordingly committed to a naval policy involving the carrying of the maximum possible number of aircraft by their fleets. To these nations the policy of absolute naval control of the fleet aircraft is mandatory.
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