It is reasonable to say that it was not so clear then as it is in retrospect, but the point being made here is that contemporary attempts to clarify the issue w

It is reasonable to say that it was not so clear then as it is in retrospect, but the point being made here is that contemporary attempts to clarify the issue were not just ignored, but actively sabotaged by the naval establishment. Deliberate ignorance is not the same as being justifiably uncertain.