A.
The following assumptions appear to me, as at present advised, to be justified:—
Should like to limit this to two or three ports at most.
1. That not more than 20,000 men could be collected and embarked in German North Sea Ports without our knowing it before the expedition actually sailed; but that up to that number might actually put to sea before we were warned.
3b answers this, otherwise the assumption is risky.
2. That no military expedition of upwards of 10,000 men could reach the British coast before the general alarm was given.
(b) The latter should, I think, be assumed.
3. That the intention of the German Government to attack us would either (a) be discovered or (b), more probably, formally declared while the expedition was in transit.
Yes.
4. That, having regard to the time taken in transit, three to six hours’ warning would have been given throughout the country, along the coasts, and at all ports, and preparations advanced accordingly.