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If Napoleon had possessed the command of the sea in

1812 he would not have been driven to attack Moscow, but his army could have advanced through the Baltic provinces, with his fleet guarding their left flank, and the Russian defence problem would have become one of terrible difficulty. As it was, Britain's command of the sea prevented this, and so saved Russia. Some day when the secret history of Europe is pub- lished it may prove that British command of the sea has during the past five years, coupled with the Anglo-Russian understanding, had a similar effect. The Russians, however, are quite right not to calculate too much on such considera- tions, but to determine to possess a force in the Baltic capable of preventing sea power being used for their coercion.

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