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ADJUNCTS OF DEFENCE. 
MAJOR SIR G. S. CLARKE, K.C.M.G., R.E. 
The term “adjunct/* however cacophonous, appears indispensable. 
Any secondary weapon, any scientific invention which, while in no 
sense necessary, may be distinctly beneficial, can only be thus labelled. 
Of such adjuncts there is an increasing number, varying in value. 
Each year brings forward new claimants for admission to the national 
armoury. Each such claimant is duly heralded by the Press, as needing 
only sufficient scope in order to “revolutionise ” warfare. Yet warfare 
has never been revolutionised even by radical changes in primary 
weapons, such as the small-arm and the field gun. The adjunct can¬ 
not possibly alter the conditions of war by sea or land; but, in proportion 
to the increase of efficiency, simplicity, economy, or merely convenience 
practically attained, it will prove an aid in deciding military issues. 
By this test each new invention must be judged, and the examination 
should be conducted somewhat on the following lines 
1. What can it actually accomplish; not in peace experiments, 
but under service conditions ? 
2. Does it lend itself to the requirements of the British Empire ? 
3. If so, under what local or other conditions ? 
4. Does the advantage justify the cost ? 
The first question is one for the inventor to answer by practical 
demonstration on lines laid down for him. As regards the third, it 
would be proper for the inventor to offer suggestions; but the second 
and fourth should be determined by those in authority, who would be 
more likely to form a right judgment uninfluenced by the inventor. 
In a previous paper 1 it was sought to show how a useful adjunct of 
defence—the submarine mine—tended, by a process of unchecked 
scientific enthusiasm, to usurp a position extravagantly expensive in 
peace and probably dangerous in war. At the same time, it was en¬ 
deavoured to arrive at certain principles which should guide the 
employment of mines in British waters. 
Two other adjuncts of defence—the position-finder and the Brennan 
torpedo—may be similarly discussed, without revealing any of their 
secrets ; but merely with a view to arrive at some limiting principles. 
The statement that every coast defence gun does not require a position- 
finder, nor any channel a Brennan installation, will be accepted without 
question. It follows that there must be limitations to the tactical 
1 “ Proceedings ” R.A. Institution, Nos. 11 and 12, Vol. XVII. 
9. VOL. xx. 
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