"Given Russia's manpower, the loss of two million troops is not insurmountable. However, the crux of the matter lies in the woeful state of Russian industry. They have mobilized millions, yet they lack sufficient weaponry to arm these forces. If we wait for the Russians to gradually equip and train their troops, it may take two to three years. By then, the war will likely be over. Clearly, we cannot allow the Russians to deploy unarmed and untrained soldiers to the battlefield. Thus, they hope we can provide a substantial amount of armaments to equip their forces, allowing them to be prepared within six months and to launch new offensives on the Eastern Front," Sir Edward Grey declared.
"Provide them with weaponry? We barely have enough for ourselves!" Richard Haldane shook his head.
As the British and French forces gradually solidified their position on the Western Front, they were compelled to send more expeditionary troops to the European continent. Compounding this, the Royal Navy found itself at a disadvantage in naval engagements, causing the British Army to fear that, should the Royal Navy falter against the German fleet, they might face a German landing on British soil. Consequently, the British Army's home forces were also being mobilized.
This situation necessitated a significant increase in weaponry for the British Army. Unable to satisfy their needs with domestic armaments factories, they were forced to place substantial orders with American manufacturers. Yet, as a neutral nation, the United States could sell various supplies to both warring parties, but not munitions. Even if the Americans were inclined to assist the British, they could only covertly transport weapons. Given this predicament, the British found themselves short on armaments, making it implausible to furnish the Russians.
"Are we to refuse the Russians? That would surely incite their discontent and could even lead to a complete disaster on the Eastern Front!" Sir Edward Grey asserted.
"Gentlemen, if we do not extend support to the Russians, they will achieve little on the Eastern Front. This would be exceedingly detrimental for us," Prime Minister Asquith remarked, furrowing his brow.
"If the Russians cease their offensives on the Eastern Front, can the British and French forces hold against the Germans on the Western Front?" Navy Minister Churchill inquired.
"That..." Richard Haldane's face revealed uncertainty, as he struggled to formulate a response. Although he wished to affirm their strength, he could not guarantee it. After all, the Germans maintained an advantageous position on the Western Front. Should they divert Eastern Front troops to the West, the pressure on British forces would be even greater. The prospect of resisting a German advance was fraught with difficulty.
"The Russian offensives on the Eastern Front are indispensable. We must leverage their strength to divert part of the German forces there; otherwise, our own burden will increase. Therefore, I propose we acquiesce to the Russians' demands and supply them with arms. This will not only aid the Russians but also serve our interests. If we dismiss their request, it may cause them to waver in their commitment to the war. Should they withdraw, the consequences would be catastrophic!" Churchill continued.
"Under no circumstances can we allow the Russians to exit the conflict!" Prime Minister Asquith stated firmly.
"Very well, I agree to supplying the Russians with arms. But where shall we source these munitions?" Richard Haldane asked.
"We are in dire need of armaments ourselves. Even if we manage to allocate some, it falls far short of Russian requirements. Compounding this issue, the German Navy's blockade makes it impossible for us to transport any supplies to Russia. This presents a significant dilemma," Churchill noted.
"Let us place an order with the Americans! Furthermore, let them handle the transportation of those munitions to Russia. This could circumvent the logistical issues we face," Sir Edward Grey proposed.
Prime Minister Asquith nodded: "At present, this is our only option. We must once again solicit a substantial order of arms from the Americans and devise a means for their delivery to Russia. However, we must inform the Russians that while we can provide these armaments, we expect them to expedite training for their forces and launch an offensive against the Germans posthaste."
"Indeed, Prime Minister. Based on our intelligence, the Germans are preparing for their next round of offensives. We anticipate they will strike in the spring of next year. Therefore, the Russians must act swiftly on the Eastern Front to distract the Germans. Otherwise, the British and French forces will struggle to withstand the German onslaught," Richard Haldane remarked.
"This condition can be presented to the Russians. I believe they will find it acceptable," Sir Edward Grey asserted.
"Gentlemen, I propose that the supply of armaments should not rest solely upon us. Our French allies ought to bear half the responsibility. After all, they are the main force on the Western Front. If the Russians are unable to attack on the Eastern Front, and the Germans unleash their full might upon the West, the French will bear the brunt of that pressure," Churchill interjected.
"Indeed, the French should shoulder their fair share," Prime Minister Asquith concurred, nodding vigorously. Initially prepared for considerable expenditures, he suddenly perceived this as an opportunity to mitigate losses.
"Very well, Prime Minister, I will engage in discussions with the French. I am confident they will not refuse our request," Sir Edward Grey stated.
"Prime Minister, I recommend we also extend a loan to Russia, fortifying their resolve to continue the war," Churchill advised.
After contemplating, Prime Minister Asquith nodded: "I shall propose this to Parliament."
Following deliberation, Britain and France resolved to supply a batch of munitions to Russia, equipping two million troops. Additionally, both nations offered Russia a loan of twenty million pounds to enhance their military training, thereby enabling them to play a more substantial role in the conflict.
For the sake of their own interests, Britain and France had no choice but to fund and arm the Russian military, compelling them to engage the Germans and alleviate the pressure on both nations.