Suppose that, as the German army prepared to move on Belgium, a Belgian colonel recieved reports of a weakness in the German positions. Knowing that Germany would attack in just a few hours, and not having time to refer to higher authority, he launches a pre-emptive strike at the Imperial German Army.
Note that Britain is no longer required to come to Belgium's aid, as Belgium attacked first.
I'd assume that the attack would only slightly delay the German war machine unless it was a spectacular success, but it would also delay the British declaration of war.
Goeben and Breslau now have a precious few more days to go somewhere. Suppose they tried to get home--and were in the Atlantic with a full load of coal and ammunition when Britian does declare war. Alternatively, they are safe in Austria-Hungary when the British finally enter.
Note that Britain is no longer required to come to Belgium's aid, as Belgium attacked first.
I'd assume that the attack would only slightly delay the German war machine unless it was a spectacular success, but it would also delay the British declaration of war.
Goeben and Breslau now have a precious few more days to go somewhere. Suppose they tried to get home--and were in the Atlantic with a full load of coal and ammunition when Britian does declare war. Alternatively, they are safe in Austria-Hungary when the British finally enter.