Goeben's escape into the Adriatic could leave her contained by French and Italian dreadnoughts. Brindisi would serve as a forward base, with Taranto supporting refits and repairs. Those fleets might also have to move north to protect the Italian coast from raids. British battlecruisers could then leave the Mediterranean, preserving the possibility of reinforcing Cradock before Coronel. Beatty could return to the Grand Fleet even though Goeben had escaped destruction. A later British contribution in the Adriatic could concentrate on submarines and offensive mine-laying.
Notable Point · 1:52:11-1:56:18
Containing Goeben at the Strait of Otranto
French and Italian containment could release British battlecruisers for other theatres even if Goeben survived in Austro-Hungarian waters.