-the first half is in the pic- -to prevent a mass invasion even though at that time the
Germans had a magnificent battle fleet in the proportion
of 10 to 16, even though they were capable of fighting a
general engagement every day and any day, whereas now
they have only a couple of heavy ships worth speaking of
– the Scharnhorst and the Gneisenau. We are also told
that the Italian Navy is to come out and gain sea
superiority in these waters. If they seriously intend it, I
shall only say that we shall be delighted to offer Signor
Mussolini a free and safeguarded passage through the
Strait of Gibraltar in order that he may play the part to
which he aspires. There is a general curiosity in the British
Fleet to find out whether the Italians are up to the level
they were at in the last war or whether they have fallen off
at all.
Analyze the effectiveness of this excerpt. How does it function within the speech as a whole?
How does the structure of the excerpt help to convey the speech's purpose and arguments?
Support your argument with evidence from the speech. (10 points)