The Zimmermann Telegram illustrates the strategic value of controlling international communications. Germany had to send sensitive diplomatic traffic over British-controlled cables, giving Britain an opportunity to expose the message. The exact intelligence step remains unclear in this account. British control of telecommunications companies and undersea links could affect alliance politics far from any fleet action.
Notable Point · 42:41-43:27
British cable control exposed German diplomacy
Germany's dependence on British-controlled cables made diplomatic traffic vulnerable and gave communications ownership direct wartime importance.