Evans then enumerated the salient points, indicating wherein the problem devolved upon the navy, while Mortimer questioned him and took notes. Evans showed how, through the progress of science and invention during the last twenty years, new methods had become available in warfare, and how the devilish cunning of the Constantinople plotters had utilized these and had taken advantage of their maritime control of the Mediterranean to establish a powerful grip on the south of France and make their defenses virtually impregnable, new inventions in offensive warfare having been more than countered by new methods of defense. He then enumerated the raw materials essential to maintaining the intricate structure of their military system and showed how a large percentage of these could be got only from the tropical regions of the Western Hemisphere—South America, Central America, and the West Indies. During the summer, when they held undisputed control of the Atlantic, the enemy had been transporting enormous stores of those things which they most needed across from Brazil. Now that the American Navy had entered the field to dispute the control of the Atlantic, it became a question of naval power which side should keep its own source of supplies open and cut off that of the opponents.
The enemy now had control of Portugal, the Azores, Madeira, Teneriffe, and the Cape Verde Islands, and, with submarine and seaplane bases at Lisbon and the islands, they were continuing to harass the shipping in the North Atlantic in defiance of international law. Furthermore, under protection from these bases they could maintain an almost uninterrupted flow of commerce with South America, their ships passing close to the African coast where American surface craft could not safely attack them.
During their conversation Evans revealed a knowledge of raw materials, their places of origin and their uses, at which Mortimer was amazed.
“I don’t see how you ever learned and remembered all these facts,” he said.
“I forget lots of things I hear,” answered Evans, “but these facts are so relevant to the crisis at hand that I had good reason to remember them. After all, the facts are open to any one; it’s just a matter of taking the trouble to put them together and see what they mean.”
In discussing the submarine situation, Evans urged the importance of getting possession of the Azores as soon as possible. He believed that a blow struck with the entire naval strength available would encounter no very serious opposition from the enemy.
“My guess is that, much as they want to keep the Azores, they are so much keener about keeping their navy intact and holding their control of the Mediterranean that they wouldn’t risk their fleet in a major naval action for the sake of the islands. Of course, we must first effect a consolidation of our fleet with what’s left of the British and French navies, in order to have the maximum strength available.”
“That’s one of the first things we’ve got to get after,” said Mortimer. “Well, first of all there’s this matter of personnel to start right, and I must be about it. Many thanks for these points you’ve given me; they’ll come in handy.” With that he left the room.
The next day Evans was called by Mortimer on the telephone connected directly with the Secretary’s room. The President had listened attentively to his recital of cogent facts and had been much impressed. He was almost certain the draft bill would go through, and had virtually assured Mortimer that the navy would not suffer in the choice of men.
Not many days passed before Evans and Mortimer were again closeted together discussing the coördination of naval effort. The British Navy was still able, in spite of the disaster, to furnish an appreciable addition to the force, and, above all, to furnish the wisdom and indomitable spirit bred of centuries of maritime greatness. Coöperation with it was now in Mortimer’s mind as a foremost consideration. To this end he was about to dispatch a commission of liaison officers to London. On this occasion Evans emphasized especially the need of a well-organized intelligence service with agents permeating the enemy’s country.