But this time Russia was ready, and this time Lord Carnock knew Russia would fight.

I am not sure that Lord Carnock was not the only statesman in Europe who possessed this knowledge--the knowledge on which everything hung.
It is easy for thoughtless people, either in their hatred or love of Bolshevism, to forget that the old Russia saved France from destruction and made a greater sacrifice of her noblest life than any other nation in the great struggle.

The first Russian armies, composed of the very flower of her manhood, fought with a matchless heroism, and, so fighting, delivered France from an instant defeat.
Lord Carnock may justly be said to have prepared Russia for this ordeal--for a true friend helps as well as gives good advice.

But it would be a total misjudgment of his character which saw in this great work a clever stroke of diplomatic skill.
Lord Carnock was inspired by a moral principle.

He saw that Russia was tempting the worst passions of Germany by her weakness.