"Four or five frigates will do the business without any military force"

Lord North's quote recommends that a small marine force is all that is required to accomplish a wanted result, without the requirement for any military force. This is likely a recommendation to the British naval power of the time, which was thought about to be one of the most effective in the world. The quote suggests that a little number of ships, such as four or 5 frigates, could be enough to achieve a task without the need for a large military force. This could be interpreted as an indication of confidence in the strength of the British navy, and a belief that it might be utilized to achieve a wanted outcome without the requirement for a large military existence. Lord North's quote also indicates that naval power was viewed as a more efficient and cost-effective way of achieving a goal, instead of depending on a big military force.