A sequence of telegrams ordered hostilities against Austria-Hungary, cancelled that order, and then left the situation unclear as Goeben moved northeast. Reports from Athens and Russia pointed toward the Aegean, yet the British chain of command continued to issue competing priorities. Earlier instructions to protect French transports and avoid superior forces also shaped the decisions passed down to subordinate commanders. The commanders had plausible reasons for caution within a fragmented control system that required rapid local judgement.
Notable Point · 32:21-36:05
Conflicting Admiralty signals unravel the pursuit
Orders concerning Austria-Hungary, reports from Athens and Russia, and prior restrictions gave Mediterranean commanders incompatible priorities.