* * * * The Loss of the ' Baleares
' The writer of an article on a later page describes in detail the naval aspects of the Spanish war, and confirms the impres- sion that the sinking of the insurgent cruiser ' Baleares ' on Sunday in an engagement off Cartagena may have a decisive influence on the course of the struggle. Since the war began the impotence of the Government fleet has been an immense advantage to the insurgents ; and since the deadlock reached on land is likely to continue, the most promising possibility of forcing an issue was by establishing a blockade and starving the Government out, after belligerent rights had been granted the insurgents. If, as now seems possible, the Government fleet is in a position to put to sea and engage the enemy successfully, the danger of a blockade may be finally averted, unless indeed it is the insurgents who are blockaded. The results are difficult to foresee, for if naval supremacy is lost General Franco and his allies may be forced to persist in seeking a victory on land, a victory which cannot be achieved without considerable additions to the insurgent forces. But one successful torpedo-attack does not confer naval supremacy on the Government. It still remains to be seen whether, as the destruction of the ' Baleares suggests, the Government fleet has been restored to efficiency.
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