Q&A · 2:54:31-2:55:27

Would Britain occupy Wilhelmshaven as a naval base?

Using Wilhelmshaven would require Britain to maintain the German naval infrastructure it instead wants to disable.

Question

Would Britain demand temporary basing rights at Wilhelmshaven to watch Baltic trade and Russia?

Short answer

No; Britain would rather dismantle Wilhelmshaven's maritime infrastructure and seek access in Russia itself if it needed to monitor or support the new government.

Notes

The strategic aim is to reduce Germany as a maritime competitor, not subsidize its largest naval base. A cooperative Menshevik government offers more direct options for British access farther east. Occupation of Wilhelmshaven therefore works against the proposed peace settlement's naval purpose.