Due to the small size of the British Isles, the United Kingdom had escaped the full force of the Race's military might when they first landed, but it had proven to be little more than a nuisance to the Race in the Middle East, India and northern France. At the time, the Race in France were within striking distance of the Rhine River, and were massing for an invasion of Germany. Because of Straha's defection, it was decided that England would be invaded, not Germany. The drive against the Rhine River was halted while forces were transferred to France for an invasion of England.