... if the weaker power conducts small war on the high seas against a stronger power then its cruisers must have at least a secure base of operations. This was an absolute necessity for a small sea power which had diverse interests overseas and it needed to be in the waters where that sea traffic was mainly concentrated. The fleet must have fixed station ports as bases of operations for cruisers or squadrons, and to serve as ports for
prizes and a port of refuge for merchant vessels