The Russian advance depended on controlling Constantinople and the Dardanelles before Britain could place a fleet inside the straits. Announcements, vague promises, and differing messages to ministers are described as tools for buying operational time while forces moved. Once the passage was secured, forcing it from the sea would be much harder, as British experience in 1807 had shown. Hornby's rapid intervention prevented that campaign of delay from becoming an accomplished fact.
Notable Point · 34:49-36:35
Russia's race for a fait accompli at Constantinople
Russian diplomacy sought to buy enough time for the army to secure Constantinople and the straits before British sea power could intervene.