Could Lion have caught Goeben in a tail chase?

The first branch keeps the Mediterranean force together under Milne. Lion's speed creates a possibility of closing in a tail chase, but the instructions against engaging superior forces and Milne's restrictive interpretation of orders limit Beatty's freedom. Releasing Beatty promptly would at least show that Milne used his fastest available ship. Holding Lion back would leave him exposed to Beatty's politically powerful response. The claim that the Mediterranean ships lacked full wartime crews offers only a partial defence, because they were not uniquely disadvantaged and received capable personnel. In this branch, Lion is judged unlikely to catch Goeben in time to engage independently.