The Report of the Commission appointed by the French Senate
to inquire into the 6 Una' disaster last March is a pain- fully outspoken document. M. Monis, the reporter, states that the Commission are completely convinced that the explosion was due to the spontaneous combustion of the " B " powder, but adds that the real and direct cause of the disasters "which are devastating our national marine is the lack of co-operation and the division and antagonism which exist between the various branches of the Service." Thus he declares that the naaal constructors do not appear to have known anything of the composition of this highly dangerous powder, though it has been in use for twenty years, other- wise they would not place magazines next to compart- ments where the temperature is always very high. "Naval constructors, engineers, and combatant officers all act in complete independence of each other, and there is no superior authority with power to unite these three divergent forces in co-ordinated action. Administrative anarchy reigns in the organisation." The "heart-rending inefficiency of the central power is the cause of the growing enfeeblement of our naval forces." In conclusion, the Report appeals to all Frenchmen, irrespective of party, to co-operate in the national task of re-establishing authority, discipline, vigilance, and responsi- bility in the Navy.
