Why diplomatic words need credible force

Hornby's clear movement and readiness to act carried more diplomatic weight than elaborate assurances sent through political channels. Words on paper had little coercive value if Russia doubted either Britain's capacity or its will to enforce them. Russian control of Constantinople and part of the Dardanelles could have transformed the Black Sea balance and increased Russian economic power. Those gains would also have exposed valuable new positions to British sea power, making the fleet's arrival a credible warning rather than an empty declaration.