Britain is a country with a constitutional monarchy. The monarch is only the nominal head of state, and power is restricted by the cabinet and parliament. However, the royal family has a high prestige among the people. Therefore, on many issues, the cabinet hopes to get the support of the monarch. This is especially true in war.
In order to make George V confident in the Royal Navy, Prime Minister Asquith revealed the naval shipbuilding plan submitted by Churchill. After hearing this, George V was really happy.
"Very good, very good. The capital ships that the navy wants to build are all powerful warships! With these capital ships, the Royal Navy will definitely be able to regain its glory. At that time, we can let the Germans pay their debts with blood, completely Defeat them! Let them know that if you want to challenge the hegemony of the British Empire, you are courting death." George V said excitedly.
"Yes, Your Majesty, we believe that future victories must belong to the empire." Prime Minister Asquith said.
George V nodded again and again: "Is there any difficulty in the navy? If anyone needs my help, just ask. After all, I am still the king of this country, and I must help my country and defeat the enemy!"
Prime Minister Asquith just wanted to refuse, but when he thought of the royal family's hundreds of years, they had accumulated quite a lot of financial resources. So, I immediately had an idea. If financial support can be obtained from the royal family, then the pressure on the government will be much less.
"Your Majesty, it's mainly financial pressure. If these naval warships are to be built successfully, it will cost 70 million pounds. And now it's just during the war, and the pressure on the government is very high. Therefore, it is difficult to raise so much money. funding," Prime Minister Asquith said.
"In terms of funds, the royal family can provide some support. In this way, the royal family will contribute 20 million pounds. The rest will be taken care of by the government." King George V said generously.
You know, money in this era is very valuable. Twenty million pounds is already a big sum. According to the exchange rate, 20 million pounds is equivalent to 400 million marks.
"Yes, Your Majesty." Prime Minister Asquith was overjoyed. The royal family invested 20 million pounds, which at least relieved the urgent need. The preliminary work of the navy's shipbuilding plan can already start preparations. You can think of a way for the money you need next.
After leaving Buckingham Palace, the smile on Prime Minister Asquith's face disappeared. Now he still feels a lot of pressure. Although, with the support of the royal family, the navy's shipbuilding plan can be launched immediately. However, they also face a series of difficulties. For example, it will take at least two years to complete the construction of these warships of the Navy. And the Germans, will they give them two years? This is undoubtedly very difficult. In addition, the German Navy's attack on the British sea transportation line is still continuing. After the Royal Navy suffered this loss, it was obvious that it could no longer attack the German Navy's breaking fleet. In this case, their sea transportation line will be cut off by the Germans sooner or later. At that time, I am afraid that they will be directly dragged to death before two years.
"No, it can't go on like this. Otherwise, the British Empire will undoubtedly be defeated." Prime Minister Asquith's face was ugly. But how can it help the British Empire? Prime Minister Asquith began to think hard.
When the car drove into the Prime Minister's Office, Prime Minister Asquith finally sorted out his ideas.
"Come on, call the Secretary of the Navy and the Minister of Foreign Affairs immediately. I have something urgent to discuss with them." Prime Minister Asquith ordered.
"Yes, Your Excellency the Prime Minister." The secretary immediately went to make arrangements.
In less than half an hour, Churchill and Sir Edward Gray arrived at the Prime Minister's Office.
Although it is late now, neither of them has rested yet. As important ministers of the empire, and at a time when the empire was in crisis, the two of them were also very busy.
"You two, I have called you here at such a late hour. I mainly want to see you. Is there any way to solve the crisis facing the empire's sea transportation lines? If we can't solve the problem of sea transportation lines, I'm afraid we won't last two years." years," Prime Minister Asquith said.
Churchill and Sir Edward Gray both nodded again and again.
They naturally know that once the sea transportation line is cut off, it will be a problem for them to survive only with the resources of the British mainland, let alone fight the Germans.
"Your Excellency Prime Minister, the Germans used despicable warfare, and we are temporarily unable to decipher their tactics. However, to solve this problem, it is not without problems. Admiral John Jellicoe once made a suggestion , I think it's very effective," Churchill said.
"Oh? What advice?" Prime Minister Asquith asked.
"Admiral John Jellicoe, suggest that our merchant ships fly the American flag. Or simply hire American merchant ships to transport supplies for us. In this case, the Germans will not even launch an attack on American merchant ships? If they really It is a good thing for the empire to have that courage. Don't forget, the United States is also one of the major powers in the world. Their naval strength ranks behind the empire and Germany. If they join the empire to fight, they must can beat Germany very quickly," said Prime Minister Churchill.
Prime Minister Asquith nodded repeatedly: "This is a very good way. If it is implemented in this way, the Germans will have no way to cut off our sea transportation line. Although we will spend more costs because of this, it is understandable of."
"Your Excellency Prime Minister, in my opinion, we should still find a way to drag the Americans into the water. The Germans' performance in this war was too strong, which was completely beyond our expectations. If the Americans can join us Undoubtedly, we can defeat the Germans at the least cost." Sir Edward Gray also said.
"The Americans have been waiting for a price. It may be very difficult to get them to express their views and join us!" Prime Minister Asquith frowned.
"We can think of other ways, for example, increase the order of war supplies to the Americans and continue to lend to the Americans. In that case, it is as if they do not join our side to fight. Once we lose the war, what will they do?" I can't get them." Sir Edward Gray smiled sinisterly.
Prime Minister Asquith thought about it and expressed his support for this proposal.
"Let our ambassador to the United States contact the Americans first! If possible, let the Americans join our camp. For this, we can give up some of our interests."
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