It has been a month since the war broke out. However, the battle situation became very unfavorable to Allied Powers. Although, the overall strength of Allied Powers is obviously stronger than Germany. But Germany's powerful military capabilities were fully demonstrated in this battle. Not only did it achieve great success on the east and west fronts, but it also made the Britain people miserable at sea. At least, from the current point of view, Allied Powers led by Germany, even if there are only two countries, Germany and Austro-Hungarian Empire, it is still possible to win this war!
King George V specially summoned Prime Minister Asquith and asked him if there was any way to reverse the current situation. If Britain cannot win the war, it may be time to think of other ways. It can be seen that König, who has just ascended the throne, is no longer so confident about whether he can defeat Germany.
After returning to Prime Minister's residence from the Buckingham Palace, Prime Minister Asquith immediately held a Cabinet meeting.
"Gentlemen, His Majesty the King is very worried about the current war situation, fearing that we will fail in this war. I personally have the same worries. Although, I believe that British Empire is the most powerful and will definitely win in future wars. However, the current war situation is really not good for us.
On Eastern Front, Germany, the monster-like Crown Prince, led an army of less than 200,000 people and annihilated more than 500,000 Russia* troops. On Western Front, Germany people have already invaded northern France, and even threatened Paris. Anglo-French Allied Forces was beaten to pieces by Germany people. At sea, German Navy is even more aggressive. Many merchant ships are sunk by Germany people on Atlantic Ocean every day. But Royal Navy has nothing to do about it. Under such circumstances, it is really hard for me to believe that we will really win the final victory.
Gentlemen, please tell me, what should we do now to turn the tide of the war? "Prime Minister Asquith's gaze swept across the faces of each Cabinet member.
"Prime Minister, I have to admit that the Germany people do have a great advantage on the battlefield now. However, this is mainly because they are too well prepared for this war. And we, French and Russians were not prepared, so it was inevitable that the Germany people would have the upper hand in the early stages of the war," Churchill explained.
Indeed, when the war broke out, the three powers of Britain, France, and Russia was not able to prepare for the war. Britain As long as the navy is strong, don't expect too much from the army. French Army and Russian Army are being adapted. If French Army and Russian Army complete the adaptation, their combat effectiveness will be greatly improved. But unfortunately, before their adaptation was complete, the war had already begun. This forced France and Russia to suspend military reforms and confront Germany. This also led to their unfavorable situation on the battlefield.
Prime Minister Asquith nodded and reluctantly accepted this explanation.
"Your Excellency Prime Minister, although the Germans won victory on the Eastern Front, they also wiped out as many as 500,000 troops. For us, 500,000 troops may be a huge number. But for the Russians, it is nothing at all. You know, the Russians have a standing army of 1.4 million. Once their mobilization is completed, the army will be able to It is not impossible to expand to more than 3.5 million, or even to 500,000. Therefore, the loss of 500,000 troops is nothing to the Russians. I believe that the Russians will soon send more troops to the front line.
"As for the Western Front, German military does have the initiative. Northern France has also lost a large area of territory. However, Anglo-French Allied Forces is confident that it can resist the attack of the Germany people in Marne Defense Line. It is impossible for the Germany people to break through Marne Defense Line and capture Paris." Richard Haldan continued.
"Minister of War, can the coalition really defend Paris?" Prime Minister Asquith asked. What he is most worried about is that Paris is captured by German military. In that case, French may become desperate and withdraw from the war. By that time, everything will be irreversible. Without France to contain the Germany on land, the Russia relying solely on the eastern front was simply no match for the Germany people. Without worries on land, Germany people will definitely compete with the British Empire for the ocean. By then, will Britain still be able to win? Prime Minister Asquith Even if he is not from the navy, he knows that this will be very difficult.
"Prime Minister, I don't think you need to worry about this. Even if French loses Paris, they will keep fighting. Their will to fight is still very firm. I have already had a long talk with the French Prime Minister and Ministry of Foreign Affairs on this issue." Foreign Minister Edward? Sir Gray had a smile on his face.
Prime Minister Asquith nodded, if this is the case, that would be great. Although the current situation is bad, it is not so bad that it is uncontrollable. Anglo-French Allied Forces, another comeback is also possible.
"Despite this, we still need to send more Expeditionary Force to help French. If Paris can avoid falling, that would be the best. Once The fall of Paris was a fatal blow to France's military and people's morale. We absolutely cannot allow that to happen. Otherwise, it will be even more difficult for us to win the war," Prime Minister Asquith said.
"Yes, Prime Minister." Richard Haldan nodded.
Now that the Army has no problem, Prime Minister Asquith looked at Churchill.
"Naval Minister, has the Navy thought of how to deal with the Germany people? If the safety of our maritime transportation lines cannot be guaranteed, there will be big problems." Prime Minister Asquith said with a serious face.
Britain is a country that relies heavily on maritime transportation. Once the maritime transportation line is cut off, the consequences will be fatal.
"Your Excellency Prime Minister, the Royal Navy is already thinking of ways to deal with the German break-up fleet and submarines. We have even dispatched capital ships to escort merchant ships. So far, the effect is pretty good. None of the fleets escorted by capital ships have been attacked. However, this is a temporary solution rather than a permanent solution. I have ordered the Royal Navy to find a way to deal with the German break-up fleet. Only by eliminating them can our maritime transportation lines be truly safe."