Sir Berkeley Milne accordingly replied on July 31 that he would keep his forces concentrated in readiness to assist the French Fleet to protect the transports, and he rightly left our trade in the Eastern Mediterranean to shift for itself. In this posture he awaited permission to consult with the French Admiral. This permission could not be given him till August 2 at 7.6 p.m., when I telegraphed as follows to our Commanders-in-Chief all over the world:— ‘Situation very critical. Be prepared to meet surprise attacks. You can enter into communication with the French Senior Officer on your station for combined action in case Great Britain should decide to become ally of France against Germany.’ Earlier that same day the following, initialled both by the First Sea Lord and myself, was also sent to Sir Berkeley Milne from the Admiralty:— ‘_Goeben_ must be shadowed by two battle-cruisers. Approaches to Adriatic must be watched by cruisers and destroyers. Remain near Malta yourself. It is believed that Italy will remain neutral, but you cannot yet count absolutely on this.’ At 12.50 a.m. on August 3, I emphasised the importance of the _Goeben_ compared with all other objectives by a further telegram, which I drafted myself, to Sir Berkeley Milne:— ‘Watch on mouth of Adriatic should be maintained, but _Goeben_ is your objective. Follow her and shadow her wherever she goes and be ready to act on declaration of war, which appears probable and imminent.’ Early on the morning of August 4 we were delighted by the following news from the Commander-in-Chief, Mediterranean, to the Admiralty:— ‘_Indomitable_, _Indefatigable_ shadowing _Goeben_ and _Breslau_ 37·44 North 7·56 East.’ We replied:— ‘Very good. Hold her. War imminent.’ (This to go now.) ‘_Goeben_ is to be prevented by force from interfering with French transports.’ (This to await early confirmation.) I then sent the following minute to the Prime Minister and Sir Edward Grey:— MEMORANDUM (_Most Urgent._) Prime Minister. Sir Edward Grey. German battle-cruiser _Goeben_ and fast light cruiser _Breslau_ have been found west of Sicily and are being shadowed by British battle-cruisers _Indomitable_ and _Indefatigable_. It would be a great misfortune to lose these vessels as is possible in the dark hours. She is evidently going to interfere with the French transports which are crossing to-day. The following telegram has already been sent:— ‘Good. Hold her. War imminent.’ We wish to add this:— ‘If _Goeben_ attacks French transports you should at once engage her.’ An immediate decision is required. W. S. C.