Chapter XV: The Russian Bungle...................................... 280

The Russian Revolution the worst disaster which befell the
Entente during the Great War -- The political situation in Russia
before that event much less difficult to deal with than had been
the political situation in the Near East in 1915 -- The Allies'
over-estimate of Russian strength in the early months of the war
-- We hear about the ammunition shortage first from Japan --
Presumable cause of the breakdown -- The Grand Duke Nicholas'
difficulties in the early months -- Great improvement effected in
respect to munitions subsequent to the summer of 1915 -- Figures
-- Satisfactory outlook for the campaign of 1917 -- Political
situation goes from bad to worse -- Russian mission to London; no
steps taken by our Government -- Our representatives in Russia --
Situation at the end of 1916 -- A private letter to Mr. Lloyd
George -- The Milner Mission to Russia -- Its failure to
interpret the portents -- Had Lord Kitchener got out it might
have made all the difference -- Some excuse for our blundering
subsequent to the Revolution -- The delay in respect to action in
Siberia and at Vladivostok.