The Goeben of course did not attack the French transports. In fact, though this we did not know at the time, she was steaming away from the French transport routes when sighted by the Indomitable and Indefatigable. Even if, however, she had attacked transports, the decision of the British Cabinet would have prevented our battle-cruisers from interfering. This decision obviously carried with it the still more imperative veto against opening fire on the Goeben, if she did not attack French transports, during the hours when we had her in our power. I cannot impeach the decision. It is right that the world should know of it. But little did we imagine how much this spirit of honourable restraint was to cost us and all the world.
In consequence of the Cabinet decision, the First Sea Lord sent by my directions the following telegram from the Admiralty:—
Admiralty to all ships, August 4, 2.5 p.m.
The British ultimatum to Germany will expire at midnight Greenwich Mean Time, August 4. No act of war should be committed before that hour, at which time the telegram to commence hostilities against Germany will be dispatched from the Admiralty.
Special addition to Mediterranean, Indomitable, Indefatigable.
This cancels the authorisation to Indomitable and Indefatigable to engage Goeben if she attacks French transports.
At about the same time I received the following minute from the First Sea Lord:—
August 4.
First Lord.
In view of the Italian declaration of neutrality, propose to telegraph to Commander-in-Chief, Mediterranean, acquainting him and enjoining him to respect this rigidly and not to allow a ship to come within six miles of the Italian coast.