A month has elapsed since the outbreak of war. Yet, the situation has grown increasingly unfavorable for the Allies. Despite the clear superiority of the Allies in overall strength, Germany's formidable military capabilities have been starkly demonstrated throughout this conflict. Not only have they achieved significant victories on both the Eastern and Western fronts, but they have also left the British in a state of disarray at sea. From the current perspective, even with only Germany and Austria-Hungary as their primary forces, the Central Powers still possess a credible chance of winning this war.
King George V of England, deeply concerned, summoned Prime Minister Asquith to inquire whether there might be a way to reverse the current predicament. If Britain cannot secure victory in this conflict, it may be time to contemplate alternative strategies. This clearly indicates that the newly ascended king is losing confidence in the prospect of defeating the Germans.
Upon returning to Downing Street from Buckingham Palace, Prime Minister Asquith promptly convened a Cabinet meeting.
"Gentlemen, His Majesty the King is profoundly anxious about the current state of the war, fearing that we may face defeat. I share this concern. While I firmly believe that the British Empire is the most powerful and will ultimately prevail, the present circumstances are overwhelmingly disadvantageous for us.
On the Eastern Front, that monstrous Prince of Germany has led an army of fewer than two hundred thousand to annihilate over five hundred thousand Russian troops. On the Western Front, the Germans have advanced into northern France, even threatening Paris, leaving the British and French forces in disarray. At sea, the German navy is aggressively asserting itself, sinking numerous merchant vessels in the Atlantic daily, while the Royal Navy seems powerless to respond. Under these circumstances, it is difficult for me to maintain faith in our eventual victory.
Gentlemen, please advise me on how we might alter the course of this war," Asquith implored, his gaze sweeping across the faces of his Cabinet members.
"Mr. Prime Minister, it must be acknowledged that the Germans currently hold a significant advantage on the battlefield. This is largely due to their extensive preparations for this war, while we, along with the French and Russians, were ill-prepared," Churchill explained.
Indeed, when war broke out, the three nations—Britain, France, and Russia—were not adequately prepared. While Britain boasted a powerful navy, its army was not up to par. The French and Russian armies were in the midst of reorganization. Had they completed their reforms, their combat effectiveness would have been substantially enhanced. Regrettably, the onset of war interrupted their military reorganization, compelling them to face the Germans unprepared, which has led to their current precarious situation.
Asquith nodded, reluctantly accepting this explanation.
"Although the Germans have triumphed on the Eastern Front, annihilating five hundred thousand troops—a staggering figure for us—this loss is hardly significant for the Russians. It is essential to remember that their standing army exceeds one million four hundred thousand. Once mobilization is complete, their forces can swell to over three million, with the potential for even more. Therefore, the loss of five hundred thousand troops is not of great concern. I am confident that the Russians will soon dispatch additional forces to the front," stated Richard Haldane, the Minister of War.
"Regarding the Western Front, while the Germans do hold the initiative and have captured significant territory in northern France, the British and French forces are resolute in their determination to hold the Marne River line against the German advance. It is improbable that the Germans will breach the Marne and seize Paris," Haldane continued.
"Minister of War, can the Allies truly defend Paris?" Asquith queried, his greatest fear being the capture of Paris by the Germans. Such a scenario would likely lead the French to despair and withdraw from the war, resulting in irreparable consequences. Without France to tie down the Germans on land, the Russians would stand little chance alone. Freed from concerns on the ground, the Germans would undoubtedly focus their full efforts on contesting the seas with the British Empire. Could Britain hope to succeed under those circumstances? Even without a naval background, Asquith understood the challenges that lay ahead.
"Mr. Prime Minister, I assure you there is no need for concern. Even if the French were to lose Paris, they would continue to fight. Their resolve remains remarkably steadfast. I have already discussed this matter with both the French Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister," replied Sir Edward Grey, the Foreign Secretary, with a smile.
Asquith nodded, relieved at this revelation. While the situation appeared dire, it was not beyond redemption. The British and French forces still held a chance to turn the tide.
"Nevertheless, we must deploy more expeditionary forces to assist the French. It is imperative that Paris does not fall. Should that happen, it would deal a fatal blow to both French military and civilian morale. We cannot allow such a situation to arise; otherwise, our path to victory will become increasingly arduous," Asquith asserted.
"Indeed, Mr. Prime Minister," Haldane agreed.
With the army situation addressed, Asquith turned his attention to Churchill.
"Admiral, what strategies does the navy have in place to contend with the Germans? If we cannot ensure the safety of our maritime supply lines, we will face grave difficulties," Asquith stated gravely.
Britain, being heavily reliant on maritime transport, would suffer catastrophic consequences if its supply lines were severed.
"Mr. Prime Minister, the Royal Navy is actively devising strategies to counter the German raiders and submarines. We have even deployed capital ships to escort merchant vessels. Thus far, the results have been encouraging; convoys under escort have not suffered any attacks. However, this is merely a temporary solution. I have instructed the Royal Navy to eliminate the German raider threat. Only by neutralizing them can we truly secure our maritime supply lines."