The equation of national power and naval strengh was, in Vajiravudh's view, demonstrated conclusively by Britain: "Any nation that has a navy it can send to battle on the sea has the power to protect its race, religion, and king." The King assiduously studied naval matters, naval strategy, and naval vessels and came to the conclusion that a light cruiser, with a draft shallow enough to cross the send bar at the mouth of the Chaophraya River, would best suit the Siamese navy's needs. The vessel he had in mind should be fast, capable of outmaneuvering larger, more powerfully armed vessels. The German ship Emden its dramatic career early in the war much impressed the KIng. Even one vessel, as the Emden had proved, could be enormously valuable. A cruiser patrolling the waters of the Gulf of Siam would be able to gain intelligence on naval movements in the gulf and could be a respectable adversary in fighting quick campaigns.