ABSTRACT
By definition, general war is an armed struggle between both superpowers and their allies. By general consensus it carries a great risk of eventual escalation to the widespread use of nuclear weapons and is therefore a conflict to be discouraged by all possible means. In both deterrence of general war, and in general war if deterrence fails, the role of a medium power is bound to be contributory. At sea, too, medium powers can be expected to bear a part. History suggests that the forces of subsidiary powers operating closely with dominant allies are not always effective or welcome. Spanish and French combined fleets usually fared particularly badly and Italian submarines did little to help the German effort in the Atlantic in the Second World War. In general war those medium powers that have chosen to deploy a strategic nuclear deterrent by sea will be doubly preoccupied with its safe operation.
