How much did Bureau of Ordnance obstruction prevent Britain from passing on the Mark 14 torpedo problem?
Short answerThe warning could reach the CNO directly in this account. Obstruction sought to discredit it, while its possible effect on King remains qualified.
NotesIn Clarke's account, British information about the Mark 14 could reach the Chief of Naval Operations directly. Bureau of Ordnance resistance therefore worked by discrediting the British understanding of the weapon rather than preventing every warning from reaching senior command. He considers it arguable that an outside British intervention could persuade Ernest King more effectively than complaints from American commanders. No single warning is identified as the proven cause of King's response.