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The 1907 Naval War Plans and the second Hague peace conference: a case of propaganda

Martin, Christopher

Authors

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Dr Chris Martin Christopher.Martin@hull.ac.uk
Reader in Maritime Security and Head of School of Politics and International Studies



Abstract

The phenomenon of mutual sea denial had rendered offensive naval actions such as commercial blockade impossible in the narrow seas around Europe. Consequently, the First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir John Fisher, abandoned commercial blockade for the safer option of interdicting enemy commerce on the high seas where the Royal Navy could control communications. The proposal to extend immunity to all private property at sea at the 1907 Hague Conference threatened this strategy. As part of a wider campaign to convince the British establishment to oppose immunity, Fisher created the 1907 Naval War Plans to directly influence Cabinet decision-making. Fisher's close involvement in the creation of the 'Plans' indicates that they are an expression of Fisher's strategic vision. Moreover, Fisher's attempt to influence the Cabinet asks questions of the bureaucratic decision-making process within the British establishment before 1914.

Citation

Martin, C. (2005). The 1907 Naval War Plans and the second Hague peace conference: a case of propaganda. Journal of Strategic Studies, 28(5), 833-856. https://doi.org/10.1080/01402390500393993

Journal Article Type Article
Online Publication Date Aug 8, 2006
Publication Date 2005-10
Journal JOURNAL OF STRATEGIC STUDIES
Print ISSN 0140-2390
Electronic ISSN 1743-937X
Publisher Routledge
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 28
Issue 5
Pages 833-856
DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/01402390500393993
Keywords Strategy; Propaganda; Decision-making
Public URL https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/391540
Publisher URL https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01402390500393993