The foreign office recruited a narrow social and educational elite. They shared an excessive pride in being English and a contempt for foreigners (doesn't really go along with the diplomatic profession).
Grey and his senior advisers shared a common set of values which smoothed the bureaucratic process. There was a shift in Foreign Office thinking around the turn of the century which was associated with the imperial conflicts of the 1890s. They began think in more continental terms with the German danger being more immediate than the American or the Japanese. The officials maintained the belief that the country should be free to move as her interests changed. The need to nourish and strengthen the links with France and Russia was a constant preoccupation.
Charles Hardinge, Permanent Under-Secretary, 1905-10
- seen as an invaluable advisor/loyal servant
- had royal connections
- convinced of Germany's power and hostile intentions
- loyal to French Entente, but more concerned with Russia
- relationship with Grey: more of equals
- poor administrator
- never established a close relationship with Grey (political differences)
- antipathy towards liberal party
- denounced the government's domestic policies
- adamantly opposed to German detente
- worried excessively about Russians
- Russian entente > French entente
- leading German expert
- opposed almost every effort to come to terms with Berlin
- support France
- Grey questioned his conclusions
- close to Crowe with strong German connections
- relieved Grey of many functions of private life
- stressed German menace
- strengthen Entente with France
The most striking change in Britain's strategy was the army's conversion to a continental commitment. Suprising lack of communication between the War Office and Admiralty. Despite the dedication to a continental war, the army had neither the men nor the material to sustain a major European War. Contradition between Britain's new land strategy and her resources.
The Empire assisted Britain in the war.
Chapter 9: The July Crisis
In the summer, the domestic issues were a very big deal. This left little time for conversation among foreign affairs in the cabinent. The armament figures were frightening.
After Franz Ferdinand's assination, Grey tried his hardest to come to a diplomatic solution. Eventually, it appeared to the Foreign Office that war was inevitable. Grey tried to get the French and the Russians to do everything they could to deter the war. The Prime Minister remained certain that Britain could remain a spectator. Three people died in Ireland and still, the focus of the cabinent was on Europe.
Despite knowning that he would back France, Grey continued to state his neutrality to Germany. Germans often blame the war on him, for this reason. Grey blamed the German militantists.
