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#1
October 31st, 2011, 01:01 PM
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The lion, the 3 eagles, and the rising sun
Dearest Emile,
it is with a heavy heart that I must postpone my travels to Paris, as I have come down with the most frightful case of influenza. I apologise my sincerely for this failing in my health, and I will make all necessary arrangements to re-arrange this much anticipated visit in the autumn if my schedule permits. In the mean time please send my regards to Marie-Louise, and it is my sincerest wish to attend the Prix. Your friend, Edward CO F Knollys, Private Secretary, Buckingham Palace HIS MAJESTY CANCELS PARIS TIP In a turn up for the books, it appears His Majesty is unable to travel to Paris due to ill health, though sources close to the Palace were forced to deny that Her Majesty was not too happy at the prospect of His Majesty returning the city of his wilder days. Palace sources did confirm, however, that His Majesty does intend to travel to France is time permits in the autumn, so this paper wishes His Majesty a swift recovery from his present ailments. Times of London, April 1904 "In all my time as his private secretary, there were only a handful of occasions when His Majesty had to pull out of a foreign visit, and the cancelled trip to Paris in 1904 was one he regretted the most." Francis Knollys speaking to Giles St Aubyn for Edward VII, Faber & Faber I believe this is the perfect opportunity to re-engage with Berlin, though we must ensure we make no waves at this point. Private internal memo, Colonial Affairs office 2nd May 1904 I remember reading through the draft report, and thinking to myself "Good Lord, if this is true, then Morel is completely vindicated, and the Belgians have a lot of explaining to do". For all his foibles, Casement did a capital job, capital job, and with hindsight the report probably saved the Empire from the machinations of the 2nd France-Prussian war. Of course Arthur was not happy at the state of affairs, and while the Arthur was pre-occupied with the Irish question, Henry was busily attempting to shoe in trips to Paris. I distinctly remember asking his to raise the Belgian question with the French President, and thankfully the Elysée Palace were receptive to our demands for an emergency meeting with the other 14 signatories of the Berlin conference. Alfred Lyttlton discussing the origins of the Congo crisis with Lyle Emery, Chicago Sun Times expose, December 16th 1912 Called in to speak to Lord Landsdowne's committee on the Congo this morning, and told them the bald facts of the matter. All the gentlemen present were quite sanguine at the elaboration of the report, and I do believe there is hope for that benighted land yet. Diary of Roger Casement, third volume, 7th June 1904. PORT ARTHUR UNDER SIEGE! It was confirmed by our correspondent in Port Arthur that the Russian Fleet has failed to break out of the harbour, and we have confirmation that our Japanese allies are now shelling the town itself. This comes just a month after the sinking of Yashima and Hatsuse, and confirms that the war may not be over as quickly as the Russians were anticipating. In further news, unconfirmed reports of Russian naval manoeuvres in the Baltic and North Sea are circulating, though Lord Kerr's office were unavailable for comment. Times of London, 26th June 1904 Dear Constantine, Please convey His Majesty's Government's displeasure to the King, and make it clear that we expect nothing less then a full enquiry by the Belgian Parliament. I know that this is not a matter usually discussed at this level, and that the Congo is the King's personal property, but the report Casement presented leaves us with no choice but to act in the matter. Make it plain that Arthur and myself are in full agreement over this, and that is the parliament refuses to act there will be further ramifications. Henry Letter between Sir Constantine Phipps, British Ambassador to Belgium and Lord Henry Lansdowne 9th July 1904 Dear Mr Knollys, It would give us great pleasure if we could re-arrange His Majesty's visit to Paris for the week beginning 28th October 1904, as the President has an opening during this period. In the mean time, if His Majesty is of the mind to join us for the Prix then he is always welcome. M Alexandre Ribot Private letter between Francis Knoylls and French Foreign Minister Alexandre Ribot, 6th August 1904 INVITATION ACCEPTED * STOP * HIS MAJESTY IS LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING PARIS IN AUTUMN * STOP * PLEASE MAKE ALL NECESSARY ARRANGEMENTS * STOP* Telegram received by French foreign Minister, 21st August 1904 INTERCEPT FROM INDIA INDICATES RUSSIANS MAY MOVE FLEET AT ANY TIME *STOP* URGENT PRECAUTIONS NEEDED IN FLEET *STOP* BE ON THE LOOK OUT FOR RUSSIAN SHIPS AND NOTIFY IMMEDIATELY *STOP* Admiralty telegram to British High Seas Fleet, Scapa Flow, 3rd October 1904 Lieutenant Commander Sulivan displayed courage above and beyond that expected by an officer of His Majesty's navy. On the evening of 21st October 1904, while in command of HMS Dee, a lookout alerted Lieutenant Commander Sulivan to the presence of the Imperial Russian fleet engaging innocent British trawlers on Dogger Bank. With scant regard for the safety of his ship or crew, Lieutenant Commander Sulivan signalled the Admiralty about the course of action the Russian fleet was taking. Upon steaming closer, he observed the destruction of one trawler, and in order to prevent a further loss of life attempted to place the destroyer between the Russian ships and the vulnerable trawlers. In the ensuing engagement, the presence of the destroyer helped alleviate the pressure on the trawlers, and out of the 48 vessels in the trawler fleet, thanks to the swift actions of Lieutenant Commander Sulivan, 46 were able to make it back to their home port of Hull without further damage. Unfortunately, the Russian Fleet mistook the Dee as an enemy combatant, and in the space of ten minutes engaged her with full broadsides, causing significant damage to all compartments. In the course of this action, Lieutenant Command Sulivan was mortally wounded, but survived long enough to ensure his ship was withdrawn to a safe distance. Only once he was convinced his command would be able to limp home did he succumb to his wounds. This medal is given in recognition of the selfless sacrifice Lieutenant Command Sulivan and the crew of HMS Dee gave in order to protect the lives of the unprotected trawlers on the evening of 21st October 1904. Lieutenant Commander Harold E Sulivan's citation for the Victoria Cross, London Gazette, March 18th 1905 In all my time at the Admiralty, even during the Jutland stand off of 1917, I never saw the tension raised so high. I was only a Lieutenant at that point, very much wet behind the ears, but when news reached the Sea Lord, by jove did the mood change from one of celebration to righteous fury. Funny thing was that I had never seen Fisher so angry, and to witness the indignation of the senior admirals was one I will never forget. When they ordered the home fleets to intercept the Russians, I had this knot in my stomach, one of dread and forbearing. While everyone was hoping the Russians would back down, the scent of blood was in the air, and not one of us would have regretted any action. It wasn't until Selborne himself strode into the room and made it clear that the Prime Minister did not want to risk an all out war with Russia that the fleet was ordered to fire only if fired upon. Of course, none of us knew if those orders would be received in time, and as the events of the next few days played out, we were all very thankful in the end that the Russians saw sense and returned back to the Baltic before it became necessary to engage them in an all out confrontation. Viscount Cunningham talking to Richard Dimbleby for the Panorama special: Origins of the Germanic Wars, 1961 In Court news, the King's proposed trip to Paris has once again been postponed due to the ongoing crisis caused by the Russian fleet's attack at Dogger Bank. Court officials denied rumours that the French president personally revoked the invitation, but the previously cordial relations between the Palace and the French republic seem to have sunk to an all time low. London Evening Standard, 25th October 1904 "Winston, I know you oppose the increase in expenditure, but surely you can see the merit in it now?" "If those damn Russians want to play, then let them play. I know this will come as a volte face, but I think if you can pledge support for a broader based reform in other areas, then I will be more agreeable to your proposals now." Overheard conversation between Winston Churchill and Joseph Chamberlain, Westminster, early November 1904. 
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#2
October 31st, 2011, 01:28 PM
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Interesting, I look forward to seeing more of this
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#4
October 31st, 2011, 02:32 PM
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Looks good.
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#5
October 31st, 2011, 05:14 PM
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Excellent for a first post
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#6
October 31st, 2011, 06:12 PM
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Dear Nicky,
The present state of affairs saddens me greatly, especially considering the great efforts our country’s have gone to over the last few years to build bridges. Father is adamant that we should not precipitate any escalation between our armed forces, yet the ongoing conflict in the Far East between yourselves and Japan is putting a significant strain on our relations. I therefore suggest that we seek some for of reappraisal of the situation, especially given the fall of Post Arthur two weeks ago. Unofficially I am happy to mediate between you and His Imperial Majesty, and if you wish me to pass on a message please let me know at the earliest possible opportunity. Your friend always, Georgie Private letter between George, Prince of Wales, and Tsar Nicholas II Russia, 9th January 1905 “The honourable gentleman knows full well my position on the matter at hand, and while I would agree with Admiral Fisher in respect of the increase in our fleet, I am very cautious about throwing good money after bad when it comes to the army. The insinuation that I am holding the proposed Bill hostage to my whims is nonsense, ad the House is already aware of my repeated calls for a parliamentary commission to be set up to examine the effectiveness of any changes which need to be make as a result of our conflict with the Boars. I therefore call on the Prime Minister to agree to this commission post haste, and once convened use the budget agreed within the Bill to best effect.” Winston Churchill speaking during the Armed Forces emergency finances bill, 19th January 1905 Leopold rejects critique of his policy *STOP* Unable to make headway with French or German ambassadors with regards to pressure *STOP* Await instructions *STOP* Telegram between British Belgian embassy and Foreign office, 21st January 1905 Bloody Sunday in Petersburg! Our correspondent in the Russian Capital has confirmed that forces loyal to the Tsar have crushed a peaceful demonstration against the conduct of the Imperial government. Unconfirmed reports indicate that Cossack cavalry were unleashed on the unarmed masses, and many needless deaths resulted from the bloodlust of the soldiers. This could not have come at a more inopportune moment for the Tsar, as his recently announced visit to London will now come under further scrutiny. After the heavy defeat and surrender of Port Arthur, our Japanese allies are proving more than a match of the Russian army. If all things are considered, this latest atrocity by the Imperial army is going to make tensions with His Majesty's government all the more complicated. The Times of London, 23rd January 1905 New show opens in East End The bawdy new musical “Nicky’s Folly” opened last night to a sell out crowd at the Hackney Empire. Amongst the amusing ditties on offer were “Tsarnara Nicky”, “Rasputin keep your hat on”, and “St Peterburg is a cold place in October”, all of which went down a storm with the locals. This report has to admit that given the current mood prevailing in the East End, this show was always going to be a smash hit with the masses. London Evening Standard, 30th January 1905 “If I am being honest Arthur, I think this whole mess with the Russians needs to be resolved before it gets out of hands. The Japanese are clamouring for our support in the Far East, and Singapore has intercepted transmissions between Berlin and Russian agents in the East Indies which show the German’s are ratcheting up the pressure…. … Yes, I know that they will need to pay for the damage to the Dee, but… Winston, I appreciate Admiral Fisher’s comments in respect of the Fleet being ready at a moment’s notice to blockade St Petersburg, but it remains by firm opinion that both Russia and France need to be dealt with kid gloves, as this whole situation simply plays into the Kaiser’s hands.” Alfred Lyttlton discussing the Anglo-Russian crisis in declassified cabinet minutes, February 7th 1905 One of the enduring mysteries of the pre-war period is how Russia and Britain managed to resolve their differences without coming to blows. Despite the best attempts of the Foreign Office, the Russians were not receptive to any of the direct communications between the two governments. Dogger Bank has always been viewed as a blip in Anglo-Russian relations, but personally I believe that it signified a more acute shift away from the burgeoning Europhilia prevalent amongst the British government of the early 20th Century. Indeed, I would go as far as to say that if it had not been for Dogger Bank, we may well have seen some for of seen some form of formalised treaty between France, Russia, and the United Kingdom. As it is, the detente that was established by the Tsar’s visit to London as a guest of King Edward VII in February 1905 ensured that there would be peace for only another decade. Simon Sharmer, A History of Britain vol. 4 – 1832 to 1921 “Despite the boos and banners protesting against his presence, thankfully the Tsar’s carriage progressed unmolested up the Mall. As part of the honour guard I can tell you we were all nervous as anything, this being my first official parade and all. We spent the three days before polishing our boots and tack, and it was all spit spot for the procession. This turned ugly when we reached the newly unveiled memorial to Queen Victoria, when some so called Russian nationalists attempted to jump out in front of the carriage. Not that they got very far, mind you, as Corporal Maynard and the Colour Sergeant himself rode them down before they got two feet out of the crowd. Blimey, that was a mess the clean off the mall I can tell you.” Memoirs of the Blue Bloods by Colour Sergeant William Alladyce, 1938 Mama was always one to worry, and being of such a young age when we arrived in London, she made sure the nurse was by my side at all times. Even at three years old I can still vividly remember the crowds, and though the whole trip was a blur, the excitement of coming to Britain for the first time was exhilarating. Dowager Queen Anastasia reminiscing about her first visit to London, Edward & Anastasia: The Golden Couple, Faber & Faber, 1967 Is it reasonable for us to ignore the plight of the slave or the indentured African 100 years after this great nation abolished slavery on the principle that all men are equal? I say no, no, and thrice no! While British workers are protected with the rights born of free men, the Africans in Congo toil in abject squalor. I therefore call on all members of this great movement to get behind our nation's efforts in exposing the deplorable conduct of the King of the Belgians in that darkend land. Extract from pamphlet by Keir Hardy distributed at LRC conferences across Great Britain in the spring of 1905 Let Tokyo know I am prepared to act as intermediary *STOP* St Petersburg more than ready to make peace *STOP* British need to be kept to one side *STOP* Telegram from President Theodore Roosevelt to American Embassy in Tokyo, 26th March 1905 Dear Nadya, I have decided to return to London for a few months at the invitation of members of the LRC to speak at their regional conferences over the summer. With the ongoing negotiations between the Tsar and the Japanese, it is the perfect opportunity for us to fund raise amongst the workers of the North of England. Who knows, maybe we will find a sympathetic ear or two who can aid us in our universal struggle against oppression. Yours always, Vladimir Letter from the combined letters of the revolution, Hodder & Stauton 2009
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#7
October 31st, 2011, 10:16 PM
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Thanks for all the positive feed back.
Just to give a bit of background on the timeline, the basic premise is that due to the postponement of Edward VII's trip to Paris in April 1904, the Entente Cordial never gets signed, so Britain, France, and Russia are not aligned militarily. I intend to run this timeline as far as the modern day, though this will obviously take a long time to achieve, as I will probably do two or three month bites of the cherry with each post.
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#9
November 1st, 2011, 12:14 PM
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This could be fun.  Falkenburg
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It is not what you say that counts but what others think you have said. Apparently.
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#10
November 1st, 2011, 01:36 PM
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Sounds fun. Count me subscriber.
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#12
November 1st, 2011, 06:18 PM
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If I have to give an honest answer about the outcome of the treaty, I must admit I was not best pleased. I reviewed that hang dog piece of paper from top to bottom, inside out, and back to front, and especially in light of the Japanese rejecting my mediation, it was quite clear that there were a lot of shenanigans on the part of the British in that document. I mean, come on, making the Russians pay reparations to Britain for the damage to one warship, and yes I do consider that petty and mean spirited.
That said, you have got to hand it to both Churchill and Balfour that they wrung out some big promises from the Tsar to ensure a lasting peace. All in all it certainly gutted the Russians of any real geopolitical presence in South Asia, while hindsight is a wonderful thing, it is amazing just how much a lack of foresight the British had at the negotiating table. If they had know then what effect it would have, I am sure Fisher in particular would have backed a more cautious approach. The fact they awarded Churchill and Balfour the Nobel prize for that one sticks in my craw somewhat, but at least we were not embroiled any deeper in the molasses than we already were. Theodore Roosevelt: The Big Stick - Henry King, 1917, Schuster & Schuster “Let us give thanks today for the lives of those brave sailors who so selflessly gave their lived for the great good. Let us mark the occasion of the unveiling of this memorial to the thirteen sailors of sacrificed their lives aboard HMS Dee by remembering also the lives of those fishermen saved that day, many of who are in the congregation. By the mercy of almighty God Lieutenant Commander Sullivan and his crew stopped the merciless attack by the Russian Fleet, and it is to their memory that we dedicate this new memorial The Very Reverend Robert Gregory, Dean of St Paul's Cathedral, unveiling of HMS Memorial, January 5th 1905 being British it is in the blood, but even so, his arguments in favour of a significant increase in the budget for the highseas fleet tipped the balance decisively in the navy’s favour. Not that we would find out until Jutland just how prescient he had been, but I can tell you he lobbied hard behind the scenes to ensure that the fleet received an extra slice of the pie. The period after Dogger Bank certainly defined our thinking, especially in terms of the then being build Kiel Canal, and the threat that posed if the Russians or Germans tried to move their fleet into the North Sea. Early 1905 was a real barn storming period, what with the armed forces committees really grubbing around in the 1900 – 1901 campaigns. Must admit, if I may be frank, that I was most displeased at the way some of the MP’s conducted themselves, but thankfully young Churchill was there to cut the chase. Lord Kitchener: Sand, sea, and foreign shores – authorised biography by Russell Tudor, 1925 Dearest Georgie, It pains me gratefully to see the way this proud country of mine is being portrayed in your newspapers these days, as there seems to be a genuine streak of nastiness running through their comments about me and Alexandra. I know your father is not too keen on either me or Willie at the moment, but please can you put a good word in for me with him, as I would so much like to come over for Cowes or Henley. Your devoted cousin, Nicky Private letter between George, Price of Wales, and Tsar Nicholas II, 29th April 1905 “No, the honourable gentleman is mistaken. While I may have previously stated that welfare reform is paramount for the success of this great nation, in light of the egregious actions of the Russian fleet, I take a more flexible approach to such matters now. I therefore call upon members of the house to support this motion, and give the Admiralty the funds necessary to build a true deterrent to the growing menace.” Quote from Winston Churchill in favour of the increased spending allocated to the armed forces bill, May 9th 1905. “Something has to give, either we cut spending on welfare issues or we scale back our ambition, what is it do be?” Overheard conversation between Prime Minister and the under secretary for home affairs, Westminster May 10th 1905 In this time of social injustice, is it reasonable to take bread from men’s tables to build warships that may never get used? I know that many of you wear their Dee badges with a certain degree of pride, but as the good Lord states clearly that blessed are the meek, and they will indeed inherit the earth. Pride also cometh before a fall, and that is one cup that this country seems to have drunken its fill of. Far better for us to indeed turn the sword into the plow share, and have the poor begging on the streets. I therefore ask the people of this great realm to rally together, fight for what is just and moral, and remember that while the cup may over flow for now, there will come a time when we will need each other. From the Whitsun Sermon of the Archbishop Canterbury Randall Davidson, 11th June 1905. My dearest Jane, I had the pleasure of meeting a Russian gentlemen by the name of Lenin today during a union meeting today, very animated on the subject of the Tsar and all the troubles that seem to be engulfing his homeland at the moment. More importantly, he felt that the labour movement in this country could do with taking a leaf out of Mr Marx's book, and while I told him that Sunderland folk may not take too kindly to soapbox thumping, I did get the impression that he will win over a few converts to his cause. In the mean time, please give my regards to your mother, and I hope she is well enough that you can return hope during the summer. Yours always, Joseph Letter from Joseph Wilson to his wife Mary, 21st June 1905 “Read all about: Potempkin falls to revolutionaries, Russian navy in stand off! Read all about it! London Evening Standard, 23rd June 1905 No-one is quite sure why the crew mutinied, the Imperial government never chose to divulge the real reasons behind the coup, but what was clear is that come the end of the stand-off in the coastal waters of Romania, most of the crew had decided to go into exile rather than face the wrath of their own government. While most of you will have seen the Spielberg film depicting the flight of Beshoff to Ireland and his alleged meeting with Lenin in Sunderland, what the movies don't show is the reality of the crack down the Tsar instigated against his own people. As was shown in the third Casement report, the pogrom of 1905/1906 instituted by the regime is credited by most historians with driving the majority of left wing radicals from the country. It is a harsh thing to say, but I too fall into the camp that believes that if the Tsar had not flushed out the Jewish elements from within the Russian cities who knows what could have happened after the Russian defeat by the Germans a decade later. Many of the conspirators fled to the far corners of Europe, and while Lenin is credited by many for keeping the flame alive in Britain, the same cannot be said of the cells scattered across the rest of the continent. A world in revolt – episode 2: Russia 1903 to 1907 – BBC 2008 - David Starkey presenting Last edited by rejs7; November 1st, 2011 at 06:26 PM..
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#13
November 1st, 2011, 06:23 PM
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Meanwhile about the TL, seems interesting enough. The name kinda gives everything away ;p
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#14
November 1st, 2011, 07:59 PM
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 Still the update was excellent, I approve
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#16
November 2nd, 2011, 12:23 PM
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From Casements' involvement and later references to Dublin as a place of political refuge, I'd be intrigued to know how you see things working out for Ireland.
Assuming no Great War in 1914, Home Rule is on the cards. What happens to Redmond and the IPP? Falkenburg
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It is not what you say that counts but what others think you have said. Apparently.
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#17
November 2nd, 2011, 12:25 PM
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#18
November 2nd, 2011, 08:03 PM
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The mood in London at the time was very ugly, particularly around the East End. Not that the Westminster gang did anything to ease tensions, but all through the run of Clarice,you could sense the restless mood of the crowds at the music halls down the way. I never ran into any trouble myself, mind you, and being of such a young age I was largely ignored, but it was still a shock to witness the anti-Russian elements demonstrating in the streets after the Tsar tried to bar British goods in the August. Give me the theatre any time.
Sir Chales Chaplin writing in the Guardian on the 60th anniversary of the East End riots, 21st August 1905 Tell me of the boys in blue, Who sail the seas with hearts so true. Let nothing stand in their way, Smash the Tsar forever and a day. From port to gleaming port, No ship they shall dread naught. Whistling a merry tune, From windy March to sunny June. Hoist the Jack up to the heights, Give them Ruskies such a freight. Lion heart and bulldog breed, Bring our mighty fleet God speed. Popular music hall ditty from late 1905 It has been one of those days, weeks even, to make one wish I had never agreed to this accursed job. Despite all of Aretas' assurances, I am convinced that this whole Russian affair is getting out of hand. My sincerest wish is for things to calm down, but with tariff reform and the socialist arguments the liberals are putting forward, I cannot genuinely see a way forward without recourse to the country. Joseph's pressure is not helping out cause, and I am certain that without resolution we will face an even bigger crisis in the months to come. Arthur Balfour, private diary, 20th August 1905 “M'lord, on the evening of the 21st August 1905, the thirteen innocent Russian sailors stood before the massed crowds not knowing what they were accused of. It is the prosecution's contention that the accused did knowingly, and wilfully, inflict grievous bodily harm on the innocent sailors, which in turn let to a reading of the riot act by His Majesty's Metropolitan Constabulary. After the defendants grievous assault, the did embark on a spree of wanton destruction of property, including many articles of clothing, dockside equipment, and other paraphernalia associated with the State of Russia. It is the prosecution's contention that the accused acted in an aggravated and unprovoked manner towards the thirteen innocent victims. Extract from the opening statement for the prosecution, trial of the Shadwell nine, October 14th 1905. “No, no, they must go! Ruskies steal our jobs, and destroy our industry!” Chant by Hull fisherman picketing Hull docks, night of August 24th 1905 Here lies the ashes of peace not war, When Imperial Russian replace the Boer. Neglected chants of Empire huzzah, On lips of Englishman near and far. Whipped up cheers thunder on docks, As from afar the politicos mock. Dread naught cries admiral in command, As off to war they march with curdling band. Let none say we tarried in jest, Fighting John Bull will the Bear to rest. Henry Newbolt, Monthly review, September 1905 As Wellington once remarked, it was a close run thing indeed. I was in the Commons that night, going through constituency papers for my return to Oldham when the news of the riots arrived. Not being in the Prime Minister's confidence at this point, I immediately sought out his private secretary, but at this late hour there was no-one around. In my entire time at Westminster I never saw so many weary civil servants scurrying about the chambers, and after reassurances from a very tired senior member of the Home Office, I retired for the evening to my chambers. Of course, the next morning the headlines demanded resolution to the situation, and while we later learned that the cabinet agreed that it was necessary for the Courts to deal with the rioters themselves, the Prime Minster was still unable to make them see sense on the tariffs issue. I for one was glad that he was not going to be rushed into any hasty action against Russian imports, but as the week wore on, it was clear the government was not able to find a clear cut answer to the problems bedevilling them. So, it came as no real shock to me or the other members of my party when the Prime Minster call the snap election to let the country decide if additional tariffs were needed. Winston Churchill: Official biography, volume 2 Read all about it! Prime Minster dissolves parliament, election to decide Russian question! Headline from London Evening Standard, September 3rd 1905 Dear Mary, Thank you for your kind words of support in this difficult time, it is gratefully appreciated. I know I have not had much opportunity to meet with you in the last couple of months, but this campaign is really starting to drag the whole party down with it. Chamberlain's efforts to get tariff reform do seem to be working, though without the support of MP's like Churchill I believe we may well struggle to get through. Who knows, but if the prevailing mood over the Russians keeps up, and Beaverbrook does appear to be getting more hawkish by the day, we may just be able to get through this one. I know you are busy yourself, and I look forward to your letter when you have time to reply. Arthur Private letter between Arthur Balfour and Mary Charteris, September 29th 1905 In the quagmire that was the 1905 election, one voice prevailed above all others in the debates that raged in the press that September. First Sea Lord Jackie Fisher wrote several effusive arguments in favour of his deterrent strategy to combat both Russian and Germany, which in turn started to put additional pressure on all parties to concede that Britain's isolation from Europe was a better position than had appeared just 18 months previous. On reflection, and with a big dose of hindsight, it is clear that this deterrent came to be known as Fisher's White Elephant, but in the dark days of the pre-2nd Franco-Prussian war days his views carried a lot of weight with the voters. Dr Paul McCartney, Professor of modern history Liverpool university - Fisher's Follies, Penguin 1986 “We cannot allow ourselves to be defined as a one issue nation! Yes, we suffered wounds at the hands of the Tsar's navy, but each and every one of you suffers wounds each day that we continue under a Torry government. Who among you believes that we live in a just and equal land? Who among you knows in his heart that the party in power is delivering on its promises of a better wage? None of you! The liberal party will deliver you a living wage, equality in spirit as well as name, and welfare that you have been crying out for! Vote for us on October 9th, and we will deliver on our promises to you.” David Lloyd George, on the stump in Epping, September 26th 1905
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The Lion, the 3 eagles, and the rising sun, what if the entente was never signed in 1904?
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#19
November 2nd, 2011, 10:26 PM
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This looks very interesting, consider me subscribed.
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#20
November 2nd, 2011, 10:39 PM
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I like this, it is quite interesting.
I'll be watching it for further updates!
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