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List of Maps and Illustrations |
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Preface |
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Introduction |
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Part One |
TURKEY |
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| 1 |
Abdul the Damned |
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The reign of Abdul Hamid—the Russo-Turkish war of
1877—Britain intervenes—the fleet at the Dardanelles—the Congress of
Berlin—progress and despotism—the wrong horse—the Mediterranean agreements
of the 1890s—Germany steps in to fill the breach —the concession for the Baghdad
Railway—the threat from Russia—the new strategic alignment. |
| 2 |
The Young Turks |
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The defence of Egypt—Military apprehension regarding close
Turco-German ties—the 1906 C.I.D. debate on war with Turkey—the question of the
Dardanelles—a difference of opinion within the Navy—the view from the Foreign
Office—the General Staff appreciation—intelligence gathering—the malign
influence of Gerald Fitzmaurice— unrest within the Empire—the Anglo-Russian
Agreement—the signal for the revolution —a guerilla campaign—the British
Embassy caught on the hop—Fitzmaurice’s appraisal —the constitution is
reinstated—hopeful signs of improved Anglo-Turkish relations —Grey’s
fears—his instructions to the new Ambassador. |
| 3 |
Revolution and Counter-revolution |
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The new regime—an early test—the secret Austro-Russian
agenda—the Bosnian crisis —Isvolsky thwarted—Russia reconsiders her
relations with Turkey—the demand for a Conference—the awkward question that has
come too soon—Isvolsky’s new proposal— his threat—Cabinet considers
and rejects the latest proposal—the question of reciprocity —the Straits
memorandum—the hope that the question may now be postponed—a Conference or
direct negotiations?—Isvolsky’s delicate position—the Turks seek
assistance—a Balkan entente?—an offensive alliance—the first signs of
reaction—the difficulty of dealing with the Committee—Parliament re-opens—a
breakthrough—the Austro-Turkish Protocol—an ingenious idea—the Turks hold
out for more. |
| 4 |
A Chance is Lost |
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A Japanese analogy—the appointment of a British Naval
Mission—more anxiety over German influence—the Baghdad Railway
controversy—Kiamil overreaches himself—a game of bluff—the Russo-Turkish
Protocol—the Conference proposal shelved— Nicolson advocates an Anglo-Russian
alliance—Grey’s refusal—Hardinge’s attitude—the
counter-revolution—the Action Army marches—the demise of Abdul Hamid—
Lowther’s patronizing attitude—the Young Turks are granted a second chance—
Lowther fights back—Austrian ambitions satiated—Isvolsky embittered—the
devil you know. |
| 5 |
Railways and Navies |
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The attempt to separate army from politics—Ottomanization
versus Turkification—the C.U.P. splinters—a British railway—British
penetration into Mesopotamia—a new naval programme—a British snub—relations
deteriorate—the threat of Pan-Islamism—a change of emphasis in
Russia—foreign money—a scheme to employ German naval officers is nipped in the
bud—a new realism—the Baghdad Railway reconsidered—Italy jumps the gun. |
| 6 |
The Turks Attract No Bids |
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The Turco-Italian War—opening shots—Italy alienates her
friends—the Foreign Office remains faithful—the Turkish appeals for
intervention—an effective guerrilla war—the Tcharykov intrigue—a Turkish
offer of alliance—Churchill’s advocacy—Grey adopts a conciliatory
line—the Admiralty is unconcerned—who will make the first move?—a new
Russian initiative—the Russian Ambassador is disowned. |
| 7 |
A Harmless Sort of War |
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The war does little damage—the hunt for
scapegoats—attacks upon the C.U.P. increase —the ‘Big Stick’
election—Italy steps up the war—a pointless attack—a small victory for the
Concert of Europe—a Russian volte-face—the Dodecanese occupied—the British
position—Foreign Office concerns over the evacuation of the
Mediterranean—Crowe’s memorandum—the C.U.P. is overthrown—a
short-lived peace is achieved. |
| 8 |
A Dangerous Season |
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Internal unrest—the Balkan League—the not-so-secret
treaty—the First Balkan War— the Turks are routed—the fall of
Constantinople looms—a new Grand Vizier—the delicate British position—a
Russian over-reaction—the Turkish line holds—an armistice and a conference in
London—a review of 1912—new proposals for the Baghdad Railway—the
Conference reconvenes—the problem of Adrianople. |
| 9 |
Enver Intervenes |
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A coup is planned—the pretext—Enver and Talaat act to
prevent an ignominious peace —the personalities of Enver and Talaat—a new reply
is sent—hostilities re-opened— Lowther grows weary—Fitzmaurice turns
against the Ambassador—the final battle for Adrianople—the fall of
Adrianople—the Turks sue for peace—the Treaty of London —the problem of the
Aegean Islands—a strong navy—British Naval Mission—Lowther’s alarming
reports. |
| 10 |
The Open Mind |
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Grey plans Lowther’s recall—Kiamil’s coup is
forestalled—the assassination of the Grand Vizier—the consolidation of the
C.U.P.—Talaat, Enver and Djemal come out into the open—a new approach for a
defensive alliance—the credentials of the Ambassador-designate—the Second Balkan
War—a Bulgarian miscalculation— Adrianople is re-taken—the preservation of
Ottoman integrity—the Turks try the patience of the Powers—the problem of
coercion—the closed mind. |
| 11 |
The Mission |
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Mallet – a new direction?—the German Military
Mission—the appointment of Liman von Sanders—the Russian reaction—the
delicate British position—the difficulty of dealing with Sazonov—the comparison
with Limpus—Sazonov ups the stakes—the strength of the Entente put to the
test—a possible concession—Grey’s predicament— Mallet’s
conciliatory approach—German intelligence—the collective inquiry to the Grand
Vizier— Russia must be supported. |
| 12 |
The Unhappy Plight of Admiral Limpus |
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Signs of a compromise—Enver becomes Minister for
War—Liman’s promotion—the crisis subsides—Russia considers her
options—Sazonov’s standing is lowered—pressure to strengthen the
Entente—the work of Admiral Limpus—the fate of the Brazilian
battleship—Turkey buys a dreadnought—the dockyard concession—a
rebuke—the Admiral’s disillusionment—Limpus attempts to leave. |
| 13 |
Russian Machinations |
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The islands’ question—a new cause for
concern—Venizelos makes mischief—Liman exceeds his remit—the Straits are
strengthened—the Turks are annoyed, the British suspicious—a shift in German
policy?—the Russians take a pragmatic line—the limitations of Russian foreign
policy—the Turks offer an alliance—Sazonov vacillates —Turkish naval
building—tension with Greece—the curious case of the fortuitously delayed
dreadnought. |
| 14 |
The Alliance |
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The easing of local tension—another alliance
approach—changes in the Embassy— Fitzmaurice is forced out—Mallet on
leave—German doubts begin to surface—a decision is reached—every rifle is
required—the forced conversion of Ambassador Wangenheim —the terms of the
Treaty—Austria declares war on Serbia—the Russian mobilization— Goeben is
required—a possible trade-off?—an alliance is concluded. |
| 15 |
The Embargo |
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Churchill’s hand is forced—a deliberate act of
policy?—an inconvenient opinion—policy or piracy?—a race against
time—Raouf is dispossessed—the Turkish protest—Enver puts a price on
Turkish assistance—a double game—Turkish mobilization—the Foreign Office
abandons hope—Said Halim strikes a hard bargain—conflicting reports—a
convergence of opinion—the position becomes clearer. |
| 16 |
Negotiate and Temporize |
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Activity in Constantinople—a Bulgarian
compact—Enver’s unusual request—his motives examined—the Turks
temporize—continued anger at the pre-emption—Limpus desires to be
recalled—the question of payment—procrastination in London—Admiral Milne is
kept in the dark—a definite clue is received—no action is taken— the
performance of the Admiralty and Foreign Office—the conspiracy in Athens. |
| 17 |
The Bogus Sale |
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Earnest entreaties—where was Churchill?—good news from
Constantinople—the onerous burden of the Chargé D’Affaires—a clearer
indication of the Turkish attitude— the German ships arrive—disbelief in
London—final acceptance—a provocative blockade?—efforts to keep Turkey
neutral—Enver prevaricates—sanctuary is granted —an inspired
compromise—the reaction in London—recognition of the fait accompli. |
| 18 |
The Turks Play a Double Game |
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Goeben’s new refuge—Souchon travels to
Constantinople—Sazonov reacts at last— Grey’s cautious
approach—Churchill’s personal appeal—the anomalous position of Admiral
Limpus—Limpus is sacked—Crowe’s intervention—a grand
ceremony—solemn assurances—strategic options—the difficulty of achieving
surprise—the trap for Souchon —Mallet returns—an immediate success—a
new pragmatism—an unwarranted complaint—an assurance is given—Mallet is
deceived. |
| 19 |
The Forward Policy of Winston Churchill |
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A generous offer?—who rules at the Porte?—Djemal’s
shopping list—patience wears thin —no effort is made to repatriate the German
crews—patience is exhausted—a signal to attack—German gold to bribe the
Turks—the mission of Admiral Guido von Usedom —a plan for British
action—Churchill applies the pressure—the assurance to Greece—a less than
generous offer—Talaat springs a surprise—a new posting for Limpus—Mallet
objects—Churchill’s fury—an unsatisfactory arrangement—unseemly
haste—the Naval Mission departs—varied intelligence. |
| 20 |
The Last Hurrah for Said Halim |
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The Dardanelles defences—unrelenting German
pressure—Enver’s authorization—a step too far—Said Halim rallies
support—the victory is short-lived—Mallet’s rebuke— Churchill renews
his attack upon Mallet—Carden’s new orders—a minor incident—the
Straits are closed—Mallet’s surmise—a lack of suitable agents—Talaat,
the pivotal figure?—Kühlmann’s mission—Enver’s mercenary
suggestion—Germany buys Turkish action—hope is abandoned in London. |
| 21 |
The Private War |
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Mallet stakes all—Enver’s secret arrangement—the
German plan—the bombardment— the burden of uncertainty is lifted—a fatuous
demand—last minute Turkish doubts—no disavowal is possible—the Embassy
staffs depart—Foreign Office policy is defended— Sazonov hesitates—the
formula of Ottoman integrity is abandoned—Churchill’s prompt blow—change at
the Admiralty—Fisher returns—Limpus urges caution—a futile
demonstration—its consequence—panic in Constantinople—the declaration of
war— Churchill orders a repeat dose—the Turkish response—Churchill
prevaricates—a private war. |
|
Part Two |
A CABINET OF TIRED LAWYERS |
| 22 |
The Lure of the Dardanelles |
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The attractions of the Dardanelles—a right and obvious
method—no army is forth-coming—the effect of Carden’s lucky
shot—Churchill’s volatile mind—the exploits of B11 and Doris—the Turks
under-estimated—the appalling prospect on the Western Front—Hankey’s
memorandum—Churchill’s option—Fisher’s caution—competing projects—Lloyd George enters the fray—the higher direction of the war—a
Russian appeal —Enver takes charge—a Turkish rout—Kitchener’s
pessimism—no troops to spare— playing the German game. |
| 23 |
Fisher’s Folly |
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An important adherent—Fisher’s crucial
contribution—an important alteration—a gibe —its curious effect—the
inquiry to Carden—an alternative explanation—Northern possibilities—a
limited action?—planning for the Borkum operation continues—Carden’s
reply—its effect—Admiral Jackson’s cautious appraisal—the question of
timing— intelligence from Constantinople—a window of opportunity—the debate
in the War Council—Kitchener now enthuses—Balfour is prescient but
quiet—Fisher loses his grip. |
| 24 |
Conversion |
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A convergence of desires—Churchill holds to the Northern
option—Carden’s plan arrives—a novel suggestion from
Fisher—conflicting signals—Churchill’s bombshell in the War
Council—Asquith’s curious conclusions—the issue is fudged—Churchill
proposes, Fisher opposes—Fisher catches cold—his unease becomes
known—Hankey intervenes—send for Jellicoe?—Churchill acts to silence the
opposition—Fisher’s surprising reaction—a sad spectacle—Hankey and
Fisher collaborate—Churchill finds a scapegoat—Asquith’s lapse of judgment. |
| 25 |
Persuasion |
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Problems with the French—a rebuff—Grey’s support is
enlisted—a further precaution— Churchill cannot risk the French obtaining
command—The First Lord has his way— Augagneur is convinced—the Grand Duke
is dealt with—the Russians are surprised —Fisher makes a stand—Asquith
stands firm—a scene in the War Council—Kitchener’s athletic
intervention—were the risks made clear?—a trade-off—Fisher’s reluctant
acceptance. |
| 26 |
Decision |
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An immediate meeting is convened—tacit acceptance—the
power of naval weaponry—a misapprehension—Hankey’s concern—a new
French initiative—the prevarications of Premier Venizelos—the question of troops
—a new offer to Greece—Hankey’s calculating assent—Kitchener has
second thoughts —pressure is applied—the effect of the opening
bombardment—troops are committed. |
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Part
Three |
OIL |
| 27 |
The Oil Equation |
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A hidden agenda?—a Persian oil concession is
granted—Admiralty trials—oil to be used as an adjunct only—the competition
is eliminated—D’Arcy’s lack of success—Fisher, the oil maniac—the
last-minute strike—the new menace—Churchill, another convert—the Pakenham
Committee—the Royal Commission on Oil Fuel—a forgone conclusion?— the quest
for the Mesopotamian concession—Greenway’s alarming evidence—Fisher is
unconcerned—the advantages of oil—a surprise recommendation—the Commission
bites back—APOC vs. Shell—the question of price. |
| 28 |
Admiralty and Oil |
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The Admiralty balks at Greenway’s terms—the need for
capital—Indian participation? —Churchill’s important
memorandum—competing standards—Churchill argues persuasively—the debate is
inconclusive—the decision to revert to coal in the Revenge class —the Admiralty
tries to enlist the support of the India Office—the logical conclusion —the
Admiralty enters the oil business—the last opposition is silenced—Anglo-Turkish
negotiations—Admiral Slade’s commission—a multitude of applications—a
deal is done —the Fusion Agreement—a final complication. |
| 29 |
A Hostage to Fortune |
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Anglo-Persian makes a move on the Mesopotamian fields—the
question of direct influence in Mesopotamia—the Admiralty position—the Admiralty
and Foreign Office clash—the problem of overt British participation—the
undesirability of reciprocal rights —the negotiations stall—the finalization of
the APOC deal—Churchill’s five conditions —harsh criticism—appeasing
the Russians and Shell—the test of war—the British position in the Gulf
secured—the fate of Constantinople—Russian apprehension —confusion amongst
the allies—no way to run a war. |
| 30 |
The Great Prize |
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The Director of Naval Intelligence and his private
initiative—the reappearance of Fitzmaurice—secret Anglo-Turkish
talks—something more than money—electrifying news—Fisher’s hasty
reaction—a secondary bombardment—an approach to the Vali of Smyrna—the
promise of a coup—Grey has no room to manoeuvre—the failure of these
attempts—the question of Greek participation—Grey’s innocuous
statement—Russian apprehension turns to alarm—fears of a separate
peace—another sweeping offer by Venizelos—the Russian veto—a
compromise?—Foreign Office objections—the issue is decided in Athens—the
Tsar’s decree—a link between Constantinople and Persia?—the Russian
proposal is debated—a quid pro quo—the fate of the neutral zone in
Persia—the consideration of British desiderata—summary. |
| 31 |
Armistice |
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The Turks routed—Bulgaria sues for peace—Turkish peace
feelers—the troublesome question of command—Clemenceau and Lloyd George trade
arguments—a new Ministry—the egregious General Townshend—an unseemly
altercation—the vital four conditions—the Turkish position—their desire to
deal solely with the British—the question of unconditional surrender—the Turkish
delegates arrive—the Armistice terms—difficulty over the
conditions—problems with the French—the Armistice is signed—the hard-line
Foreign Office attitude—a final word. |
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APPENDICES |
| one |
Formal Text of the Turco-German Alliance of 2 August 1914. |
| two |
The Shirey Story. |
| three |
A Pertinent Exchange of Letters. |
| four |
The Sultan And His Executive. |
| five |
Extracts From A Memorandum By Mr. Adam Block Respecting
Franco-German Economic Penetration Up To 1906. |
| six |
Turkish Armistice Terms. |
| seven |
Defence of the Suez Canal, Narrative of Events, 25 January to 8
February 1915. |
| eight |
List of Grand Viziers, 1908 to 1919. |
| nine |
List of Alternative Place Names |
| ten |
Memorandum by the General Staff Upon the Possibility of a Joint
Naval and Military Attack Upon the Dardanelles. |
| eleven |
Biographical appendix |
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BIBLIOGRAPHY |
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INDEX |
