Seven of his nine divisions were engaged on the Scheldt and even if it was possible to withdraw them, it would create a gap between the Belgians and British which the enemy could exploit and encircle the former.
Syv af hans ni divisioner var i indsat ved Schelde og selv om det var muligt at trække dem tilbage, ville de skabe et hul mellem belgierne og briterne som tyskerne kunne udnytte til at omringe belgierne.