Forces War Records recently went to the National Archives, Kew to study some of the Telegrams sent just before the start of the Great War.           

We will be posting the transcription of the telegrams as they happened 100 years ago.

To: C-in-C China

SECRET. European political situation makes war between Triple Alliance and Triple Entente Powers by no means impossible.

This is not the warning telegram but be prepared to shadow possible hostile men of war and consider dispositions of H.M. Ships under your command from this point of view. Measure is purely precautionary. The utmost secrecy is to be observed and no unnecessary person is to be informed.