"If the British Fleet were lost or captured, the Atlantic might be dominated by Germany, a power hostile to our way of life, controlling in that event most of the ships and shipbuilding facilities of Europe"

This quote by Wendell Willkie is a warning of the prospective repercussions of the British Fleet being lost or caught. Willkie is suggesting that if this were to occur, Germany would be in a position to control the Atlantic Ocean, and with it, most of the ships and shipbuilding facilities of Europe. This would be a significant threat to the way of life of those living in the United States, as Germany would remain in a position to control the movement of products and individuals across the Atlantic. Willkie is warning that this might result in a situation where the United States would be unable to secure its interests in Europe, and would be at the mercy of a hostile power. This quote works as a tip of the significance of the British Fleet in maintaining the balance of power in the Atlantic, and the need for the United States to stay watchful in safeguarding its interests.