PREFACE. The discussions of the international law topics of 1913 were conducted as in previous years by Mr. George Grafton Wilson, professor of international law at Harvard University, who also drew up the notes upon the topics which are now published for the information of the Navy. The usual form of the situations was somewhat altered this year owing to the approaching Third Hague Conference, at which it is probable that a code of naval warfare will be proposed for adoption. In view of this probability, it seemed well this year for the conference of officers to draft regulations suitable for embodiment in the code. By following this course the views of naval officers upon certain of the more pressing questions of this branch of international law are offered for the consideration of the naval service and of others who are interested in the subject. The notes upon the topics now presented serve to bring discussion and opinion upon them up to date and to consider certain subjects which previously have been discussed little or not at all at the Naval War College. In this volume the presentation of topics which have been previously discussed is shortened and reference is to the earlier volumes. In the presentation of the topics which have received little attention at the Naval War College the discussion is correspondingly amplified. Many of these topics are under consideration throughout the world and opinion is changing. The opinions given in recent international conferences are shown so far as the limits of the work have permitted. 3 The president of the Naval War College requests comment on the regulations and conclusions upon these topics, as well as suggestions for subjects to be considered at the college in the future, particularly such as relate to those likely to be brought before The Hague Conference affecting naval conduct. W. L. RODGERS, Captain, United States Navy, President United States Naval War College. |