After the war of attrition in 1915, Russia's power had reached its peak in early 1917.
It was Russia who wanted to wield that power against Germany more than anyone, and it was Britain and France who blocked this.
America's entry into the war.
'...Yet that America cannot replace the role of the Eastern Front.'
That late entry from the new continent gave the Anglo-French alliance too much inflated dreams.
"The Chief of Staff's will is firm. We will still faithfully engage in the war as allies and participants, but we will strike Austria-Hungary first. Germany is now merely secondary."
In Nicolson's view, this wasn't simply Russia's emotional choice.
'They've already expanded the front in the south. With investments made, it's not easy to just pull out completely.'
Directions diverging too much.
"...We shall respect that."
