The British Government naturally saw East Africa's moves in the Persian Gulf and grew anxious. As the situation deteriorated, it became increasingly worried about its own predicament.
London.
10 Downing Street.
"Those damned East Africans! Without them stirring the pot, this war should have ended long ago!"
Britain's new Prime Minister David had been in a terrible mood lately. Turmoil in Russia's political situation, the Ottoman Empire entering the war, East Africa's convoy escorts in the Persian Gulf—everything seemed to prove that the war was moving in a direction unfavorable to the Entente Powers.
In 1916, Britain's former Prime Minister Asquith had resigned due to his poor organization and coordination of the war, and David had taken over this mess in passing.
Yet by 1917, the shape of the war had not only failed to change, but had become increasingly unfavorable to Britain under the influence of various factors.
David naturally understood that the keys to victory and defeat now lay with the two great powers beyond Europe: the United States and East Africa.
"If we cannot cut off the Central Powers' logistical supply lines, it means the war will continue. And once the Central Powers finish digesting the Eastern Front, the Western Front will also be left hanging by a thread."
"The war is now moving ever further in a direction unfavorable to us. What are your views?"
Faced with the Prime Minister's question, the cabinet officials were all at their wits' end. At this moment, Foreign Minister Belfort said, "Britain has no other choice. Either withdraw from the war, or fight to the death. But if we choose the former, the Empire's prestige will be utterly ruined. And after making so many sacrifices for this war, if we gain nothing in the end, the enraged people will wash