midnight of the 12th of
May
Now , what is your advice ? You are aware , I presume , that the German Emperor , the Czar of Russia and the French President landed at Dover this morning , and have issued an ultimatum from Canterbury , calling upon us to surrender London , and discuss terms of peace in the interests of humanity . Now , you occupy a unique point of view . You have told us in your letters that unless a miracle happens the human race will not survive midnight of the 12th of May next . We believe that you are right , and now , perhaps , you will be good enough to let us have your opinions as to what should be done in the immediate present . '' `` My opinion is , sir , that for at least forty days you must fight , no matter how great the odds may appear to be . Every ditch and hedgerow , every road and lane , every hill and copse must be defended .