BOOK DEPARTMENT
Members of the Institute, both regular and associate, may save money by ordering books through its Book Department, which will supply any obtainable book. A discount of 10 per cent is allowed on books published by the Institute, and 5 per cent on books of other publishers (government and foreign publications excepted). Address Secretary-Treasurer, U. S. Naval Institute, Annapolis, Maryland.
PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE. By Grayson L. Kirk. New York: Farrar and Rinehart, Inc. 1936. $2.50.
Reviewed by Captain Jules James, U. S. Navy
In the first chapter of Philippine Independence Professor Kirk questions the strategy of attacking the Spanish fleet in Manila Bay in a war for the liberation of Cuba 10,000 miles away, but the book contains a clear and comprehensive analysis of the factors which brought about the acquisition of the islands, the commercial policies which followed, the history of the long and finally successful independence movement, and the probable outcome of it all. Finally the author includes recommendations for altering the independence program.
In the outline of the history of the independence movement, it is shown that although this movement sprang up almost immediately after annexation, it received but scant encouragement until with the depression our Farm Group in Congress became interested in protecting their constituents from Philippine competition. The author casts extreme doubt on the probability of material benefit accruing to these constituents, or to any other American group.
On reading this book one is impressed with the lack of real interest that the United States has taken in the islands from either a commercial or a military point of view, and is led to doubt that such interest would increase with time. It is brought out, however, that both export and import trade, helped by a free market in this case, followed the flag with a vengeance. Professor Kirk’s history of the independence legislation is an interesting political study. It shows how this legislation, not of primary interest to any large group, was finally put through by a strong alliance of many small and widely diversified groups in spite of a presidential veto.
The author paints a gloomy picture of the economic outlook for the Filipinos, whose standard of living he estimates to be 300 per cent higher than that of almost all other orientals. He shows how a satisfactory self-sufficiency might be built up, but lists many obstacles in the way of its achievement. He carefully examines the income and the budget and concludes that “the government, which will need more money than ever before, will certainly have much less.” He gives them no ground for optimism.
To Professor Kirk the political outlook appears no less gloomy. He considers that their constitution, based on our own, contains admirable improvements made to suit their new government, but questions whether or not there are enough trained and devoted leaders to apply it successfully. In support of this doubt he cites the illiteracy of the masses, the linguistic problem, the diversity of racial and religious groups, and the lack of a middle class. He doubts the new nation’s ability to maintain territorial integrity and public peace, to provide funds for normal government requirements, and to administer justice satisfactorily. He does not, though, consider the situation hopeless. Regarding territorial integrity his estimate may be summed up by the one word “Manchukuo,” accomplished perhaps by peaceful penetration.
The author believes that the islands are headed for economic disaster, and holds the United States entirely to blame for their plight. A protectorate or a semi-protectorate combined with trade reciprocity is suggested as a remedy.
While adversely criticizing the taking over of the islands, the author believes that having taken them over our parental and international obligations demand that we modify our present independence program or receive world-wide censure.
The book is carefully prepared and well written, and will be of great interest to all who are interested in the question of Philippine independence.
MARITIME NEUTRALITY TO 1780. By Carl J. Kulsrud, Ph.D. Boston: Little, Brown and Company. 1936. 337 pages. $3.50.
Reviewed by Commander Raymond Stone, U. S. Navy (Retired)
Within the limits of a compact little volume comprising seven chapters and three-and-a-third hundred pages of text, the author, who is Assistant Professor of History and Political Science at the University of Louisville, has laid before his readers the results of very evident patient study and diligent research. Footnote references are numerous and of widespread origin.
The subtitle of this book aptly describes it as “a history of the main principles governing neutrality and belligerency” during a period of some four centuries prior to and ending with the Armed Neutrality of 1780.
Naturally and necessarily wherever neutrality is discussed so also will belligerency be spoken of; for the two, neutrality and belligerency, are complements and must needs exist although at mutual odds and apart; where no belligerency is there, likewise, is no neutrality.
To us of busy today, when international policy and performance change almost literally overnight, the gradual evolution of ideas and practices during the period under review, as set forth by the author, seems very slow work indeed. In numerous instances he cites treaties and other documents clearly showing the diversity of views and acts and even court decisions existing between interested governments. Uniformity of practice over a long term of years, a quarter or a half of a century, perhaps, might appear to be building up a body of customs into effective and acceptable law, only to be nullified by treaty agreements or even by mere arbitrary pronouncement.
The age-old conflict between belligerent and neutral interests as exemplified in the struggle for supremacy between the doctrine of the Consolato del Mare and the doctrine of “Free Ships, Free Goods,” is more than once revealed by the author.
If any maritime state or states could rely with certainty on being perpetually neutral then such questions as the rights and duties of neutrals and belligerents could reasonably soon be solved; the trouble is that the neutral of today may be the belligerent of tomorrow, and with a change of status comes a change in the point of view. “It all depends upon whose ox is gored.”
The titles of the several chapters of this book are clearly indicative of the nature of their contents; ready reference to any particular subject is thereby facilitated.
Where the separate subdivisions of a general subject overlap, as in this present case, it is inevitable that there shall be no small measure of repetition, especially in the feature of references and citations. This fact militates against ease of reading but does not detract from the referential value of the book.
To the busy, absorbed naval officer of today who, in the observance of the principles and the execution of the practices of international law, is chiefly concerned with knowing what to do and how and when to do it, the work under review will probably have an almost purely academic appeal. But a study of it will add to the sum of one’s broad knowledge of the subject treated; for which reason it may be considered an acceptable addition to one’s international law bookshelf.
BRASSEY’S NAVAL ANNUAL, 1936. Edited by Commander Charles N. Robinson, R.N. London: William Clowes and Sons, Ltd. 25s.
Reviewed by Commander R. A. Hall, U. S. Navy
Brassey’s has gone back to its old name and purpose; and the results justify the change. The only reference to the merchant marine left is the chapter on the Royal Naval Reserve, and that is included only on account of the relation of the Reserve to the Royal Navy.
The new volume covers its subject more thoroughly than did the former more ambitious form. The make-up is more logical and convenient and the qualities of the contributed articles seem higher than for several years.
The tables and silhouettes of warships, while not as complete as Jane's for instance, are in a highly compact and handy form for ready reference. They appear to be accurate, complete, and up to date, and the size' and shape of the book make it particularly suitable to be kept at hand on the bridge.
The increasing importance of naval aviation is recognized by tables of British and foreign naval aircraft, giving their principal characteristics, and by several special articles on the subject.
It is in the articles that the greatest improvement in this year’s volume is shown; and in them will be found probably the greatest amount of interest for the naval reader. Especially interesting and worthy of commendation is the article “United States Naval Aviation” by Rear Admiral E. J. King, U. S. Navy, lately Chief of the Bureau of Aeronautics in the U. S. Navy Department. This article gives a careful and logical account of the purpose of the Air Force in the U. S. Navy and an interesting description of its development. It is a measured and thoughtful refutation of the loose and extravagant claims sometimes made on behalf of the very important subject of air power. In contrast to this article it is rather interesting to note the somewhat wistful and envious tone of the two articles on “British Naval Air Progress” and “Foreign Fleet Air Arms,” as an indication of British naval opinion on the subject.
The other article which seems outstanding is Captain Dewar’s on “The End of Disarmament.” While it must be regarded in part at least as special pleading for British rearmament, its description of the efforts made to date in the cause of disarmament, its coldly logical summation of their results, and its appraisal of future developments under present conditions combine to make a most valuable contribution to the subject.
Several other interesting articles add to the value of the book and make it worthy of careful study.