The discovery of McAndrew's infiltration attempt before the delivery of his intelligence would have had catastrophic consequences, rippling across multiple fronts of the First World War. The immediate impact would have been McAndrew's likely execution or imprisonment. Given the gravity of espionage during wartime, a swift and brutal end would have been almost certain. The Germans, having captured a British agent so deep within their command structure, would have gained invaluable insight into British intelligence gathering methods, potentially compromising other operatives and future operations. This would have severely hampered British intelligence efforts for the remainder of the war. The compromised intelligence networks could have led to the neutralization of crucial Allied operations, ranging from small-scale sabotage efforts to large-scale offensives. The potential for the Germans to anticipate Allied moves could have significantly altered the course of key battles, potentially resulting in substantial Allied losses and territory ceded to the Central Powers. Beyond the immediate military ramifications, the psychological impact on British morale would have been considerable. The failure of such a high-stakes mission, coupled with the exposure of the agent's identity, would have likely dampened public confidence in the government's ability to wage war effectively. Newspapers, even with wartime censorship, would struggle to suppress the story, and any leaked details would likely cause panic and division. The revelation could also fuel anti-war sentiment, potentially weakening the national resolve necessary to sustain the war effort. The long-term effects extend beyond the battlefield. The loss of a key intelligence source could have prolonged the war, leading to even greater losses of life and material resources. The economic consequences would have been substantial, impacting global markets and prolonging the instability following the war. The political landscape would also have been drastically altered. The failure of such a critical mission might have led to changes in leadership, both military and civilian, impacting the strategic direction of the war. Furthermore, the discovery of McAndrew’s mission could have precipitated retaliatory measures from the German side. They might have intensified their own espionage efforts, focusing on British intelligence vulnerabilities and initiating more daring operations to undermine the Allied war effort. Diplomatic repercussions would have been considerable, with a potential escalation of tensions between Britain and Germany, possibly affecting relations with other Allied powers. The fallout would have impacted the post-war negotiations at Versailles, potentially leading to a different treaty with far-reaching consequences for the redrawing of European borders and the overall balance of power. In conclusion, the discovery of McAndrew's mission would not have simply been a setback; it would have been a devastating blow to the Allied cause, altering the trajectory of the war, its duration, and its ultimate consequences in ways that are almost impossible to fully comprehend. The ripple effect would have extended far beyond the immediate battlefield, shaping the political, social, and economic landscape of Europe and the world for decades to come. It is a stark reminder of the high stakes and inherent risks associated with clandestine operations during wartime.