A student paper by CDR D. R Jones for the course in naval warfare at the Naval War College in which he attempted to establish that optimum knowledge of the oceans of the world is a prime and requisite element of sea power and proposed that this knowledge of inner space (i.e., the aqueous envelope of the earth extending from the surface of the ocean to its floor) is necessary for both national defense purposes and to ensure the exploitation of the oceans' vast food, mineral and energy resources. The author suggested that scientific and technological activities in oceanography should be broadened and increased to not only strengthen the U.S. military posture but also to satisfy the needs of the burgeoning populations of the world.

A thesis submitted to the faculty of The School of Public and International Affairs of the George Washington University in partial satisfaction of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in International Affairs 30th September 1971

List of questions and discussion points based on the works of Captain Mahan and strategic problems from naval history including: the Triple Alliance, Nicaragua Canal, possible war between Japan and Russia, naval administration, naval vs. military strategy, elements of sea-power, and the War of 1778-1783 among others.