‘The movements of the Fleet are free of all offensive character, and the Fleet will not approach German waters.’ ‘But,’ adds the German historian, ‘the strategic concentration of the Fleet had actually been accomplished with its transfer to Scottish ports.’ This was true. We were now in a position, whatever happened, to control events, and it was not easy to see how this advantage could be taken from us. A surprise torpedo attack before or simultaneous with the declaration of war was at any rate one nightmare gone for ever. We could at least see for ten days ahead. If war should come no one would know where to look for the British Fleet. Somewhere in that enormous waste of waters to the north of our islands, cruising now this way, now that, shrouded in storms and mists, dwelt this mighty organisation. Yet from the Admiralty building we could speak to them at any moment if need arose. The king’s ships were at sea. CHAPTER X THE MOBILISATION OF THE NAVY July 31–August 4 ‘The meteor flag of England Shall yet terrific burn; Till danger’s troubled night depart, And the star of peace return.’ CAMPBELL. Cabinet Tension—The Opposition Leaders—The Naval Reserves—British Decision to close the Chanel to German Warships—Germany declares War upon Russia—General Mobilisation of the Navy—Sir John Jellicoe appointed Commander-in-Chief—German Invasion of Luxemburg and Belgium—Monday, August 3, in the House of Commons—British Ultimatum to Germany—Nation and Empire—Situation in the Mediterranean—Menace of the _Goeben_—Admiralty Instructions to Sir Berkeley Milne—August 4. The _Goeben_ found—Cabinet veto on Hostilities—Italian Declaration of Neutrality—First Escape of the _Goeben_—Awaiting the Signal—‘Commence hostilities against Germany.’