"With Russia's soldiers, it is indeed not a big problem to lose two million people. However, the problem is that Russia's industrial level is really bad. They mobilized millions of troops, but they do not have so many weapons to arm these troops. If Russians slowly arms these troops by itself and completes the training, I am afraid it will take two or three years. By then., The battle has been over a long time ago. And we obviously cannot let Russians send those unarmed and untrained troops to the battlefield. Therefore, Russians hopes that we can provide them with a batch of weapons and equipment so that they can complete the preparations and launch an attack on the Eastern Front again. "Edward Sir Gray said.
"Provide them with weapons and equipment? Our own weapons and equipment are not enough!" Richard Haldan shook his head.
As Anglo-French Allied Forces slowly gained a foothold on the Western Front, more Expeditionary Force had to be sent to fight with European continent. In addition, Royal Navy was at a disadvantage in the naval battle, so British Army had to worry in case Royal Navy could not withstand German Navy. Then, they may have to face the landing of German Navy on British mainland. Therefore, British Army's local troops are also mobilizing.
This also makes British Army in urgent need of a large amount of weapons and equipment. When British mainland's arsenal could not meet their needs, they even had to turn to United States and order a large number of arms. However, United States, as a neutral country, can sell various supplies to both warring parties. But arms are excepted. Even if Americans wanted to help Britain, he could only quietly transport weapons and equipment for them. Under such circumstances, their own weapons and equipment are not enough, let alone for Russians.
"Should we reject Russians? In that case, I'm afraid it will make them dissatisfied with us. It may even lead to Eastern Front's complete defeat!" Edward Sir Gray said.
"Gentlemen, if we do not provide support to Russia, then they will not be able to do anything on Eastern Front. This will be very bad for us." Prime Minister Asquith said with a frown.
"Once Russians stops attacking on the eastern front, can Anglo-French Allied Forces on Western Front withstand the attacks of Germany people?" First Sea Lord Churchill asked.
"This..." Richard Haldan looked confused, as if he didn't know how to answer. Although, he wanted to give a positive answer. However, he didn't dare to be really sure. After all, German military still has the advantage over Western Front. If German military also transfers troops from the Eastern Front to the Western Front, they will face greater pressure. It is really difficult to say whether it can withstand the attack of Germany people.
"Russians's offense on Eastern Front is indispensable. We must use their power to contain part of the Germany people's power on Eastern Front. Otherwise, we will be under greater pressure. Therefore, I suggest agreeing to Russians's conditions and asking them Providing arms. This is not only helping Russians, but also helping ourselves. If we refuse Russians's request, it may make them waver in the war, and the consequences will be even more disastrous!" Churchill continued.
"No matter what, we cannot let Russia withdraw from the war!" Prime Minister Asquith said.
"Okay, I agree to provide arms to Russia. But where do those arms come from?" Richard Haldan asked.
"We are short of arms. Even if we can squeeze out some, there is still a big gap between what Russians needs. What's more terrible is that German Navy's blockade of us makes it impossible for us to transport that batch of arms to Russia. So, this is a very troublesome problem." Churchill said.
"Order from Americans! At the same time, let Americans be responsible for transporting those arms to Russia. In this way, these problems can be avoided." Edward Sir Gray said.
Prime Minister Asquith nodded. "Now, this is the only way we can do it. Order a batch of arms from Americans again and let them find a way to transport them to Russia. However, tell As for Russia, we can provide them with this batch of weapons and equipment, but similarly, we require them to complete the training of their troops as soon as possible after receiving the weapons and equipment, and then launch an attack on Germany."
"Yes, Prime Minister. According to various intelligence we have obtained, the Germany people are also preparing for the next round of attack. We predict that the next round of attack by the Germany people will start next spring. Therefore, Russians must We must launch an attack on the Germany people's eastern front next spring to contain some of the Germany people's strength. Otherwise, it may be difficult for Anglo-French Allied Forces to resist the Germany people's attack," said Richard Haldan.
"This can be used as a condition for us to agree to Russians. I think Russians will not refuse." Edward Sir Gray said.
"Gentlemen, I think that this batch of weapons and equipment cannot be provided by us alone. It seems that our French allies should also share half of it. After all, Western Front, they are the main force. If Russia is unable to launch an attack on the eastern front. If the Germany people attack the western front with all their strength, they will bear the brunt of the huge pressure from the Germany people," Churchill said suddenly.
"Yes, French should also bear half of it." Prime Minister Asquith nodded repeatedly. Originally, he was already preparing to bleed profusely. But after listening to Churchill's words, I suddenly felt that it was a good opportunity to reduce losses.
"Okay, Prime Minister, I will communicate with French. I think they will definitely not refuse." Edward Sir Gray said.
"Prime Minister, I suggest that we provide another loan to Russia to give them the confidence to continue the war." Churchill suggested.
Prime Minister Asquith thought for a while and nodded, "I will suggest it to Parliament."
After discussion, Britain and France decided to provide Russia with a batch of arms to help Russia arm two million troops. At the same time, the two countries also provided Russia with a loan of 20 million Pounds Sterling, allowing Russia to strengthen military training so that they can play a greater role in the war.
For their own interests, Britain and France can only provide money and weapons to arm the Russia army and let them attack Russia to share the pressure on Britain and France.