Great Britain's Sea Policy / A Reply to an American Critic, reprinted from 'The Atlantic Monthly'

Name: Great Britain's Sea Policy / A Reply to an American Critic, reprinted from 'The Atlantic Monthly'
Author: Gilbert Murray

By Gilbert Murray

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About This Book

The essay answers an American critic who accuses Britain of abandoning legal restraints at sea, arguing that such charges misrepresent both facts and motive. It contrasts two strains in British foreign policy—pragmatic self-interest and liberal idealism—and defends continuity as requiring compromise between them. The author explains that the Declaration of London was never enacted and thus cannot be treated as a broken promise, places naval measures in the strategic context of an island power dependent on sea control, and discusses how efforts to avoid war shaped concessions over prize, blockade, contraband, and neutral interests while rebutting accusations of sheer might-making-right.

About the Author

Gilbert Murray

Gilbert Murray (1866-1957) was a prominent British classical scholar, translator, and playwright, known for his contributions to the understanding of ancient Greek literature and drama. He served as the Regius Professor of Greek at the University of Oxford and was a key figure in the revival of interest in Greek tragedy during the early 20th century. His notable works include translations of plays such as "Andromache: A Play in Three Acts" and "Carlyon Sahib: A Drama in Four Acts," which reflect his deep engagement with classical themes. Murray also wrote extensively on Greek religion and philosophy, contributing to the broader discourse on the relevance of ancient thought in contemporary society.