Page 314 - The interest of America in sea power, present and future

292 Strategic Features of the Gulf of

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force, as + 5 is greater than 2 + 3. The posi-
tional value of Cuba is extremely great.
Regarded solely as a naval position, without
reference to the force thereon based, Jamaica
is greatly inferior to Cuba in a question of
general war, notwithstanding the fact that in
Kingston it possesses an excellent harbor and
naval station. It is only with direct reference
to the Isthmus, and therefore to the local ques-
tion of the Caribbean as the main scene of hos-
tilities, that it possesses a certain superiority
which will be touched on later. It is advisable
first to complete the list, and so far as neces-
sary to account for the selection, of the other
points indicated by the squares.
Of these, three are so nearly together at
the Isthmus that, according to the rule before
adopted, they might be reduced very properly to
a single representative position. Being, how-
ever, so close to the great centre of interest in
the Caribbean, and having different specific
reasons constituting their importance, it is es-
sential to a full statement of strategic condi
tions in that sea to mention briefly each and
all. They are, the harbor and town of Colon,
sometimes called Aspinwall; the harbor and