In order to decide upon a workable scheme, directions were given that a conference was to assemble at Scapa on December 10.

An officer from the Naval Staff was detailed to attend the conference, to point out the objections which had been raised and, amongst other matters, to bring to notice the advantage of the Firth of Forth as a collecting port instead of the Tyne.
Meanwhile steps had been taken to furnish as much protection as possible from Grand Fleet resources to the convoys against attack by enemy surface vessels.
The conference of December 10 came to the conclusion that the Firth of Forth was the best assembly place, and that the port of Methil in that locality would offer great advantages.

The conference made recommendations as to the provision of destroyers as soon as they were available, and, amongst other matters, mentioned the necessity for an increase in the minesweeping force at Rosyth to meet a possible extension of enemy minelaying when the new system was in operation.
On December 12 a second attack on the convoy took place.

In this instance the attack was carried out by four German destroyers.

Two convoys were at sea, one east-bound and one west-bound, the east-bound convoy being attacked.