British Military Leaders Strategize for Possible War with Germany

Admiral Sir Arthur Wilson

The ongoing Agadir (Moroccan Crisis), prompted a secret meeting of the Committee of Imperial Defence. It was convened by Prime Minister Asquith to discuss overall military strategy for war against Germany. Field Marshal Sir Henry Wilson and the First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Arthur Wilson, the leaders of the British Army and the Royal Army, respectively, presented their opposing views on how a war in continental Europe should be conducted.

The Royal Army presented  the probable moves of the German Army and the British counter moves, while the Royal Navy presented the proposed naval operations. The Admiralty was convinced that a naval blockade of Germany, would force Germany to capitulate, and a British Expeditionary force would not be required in France, but rather to be used to land on the German coast.^[1] The Army dismissed this plan, as did then Home Secretary and future First Lord of the Admiralty, Winston Churchill.

1. Anthony John Watts, The Royal Navy: An Illustrated History (Arms and Armour Press, London, 1994)