Chapter 258: Pulling Americans into the water

The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy, the monarch is only the nominal head of state, and his power is checked by the cabinet and parliament. Pen, fun, pavilion www. biquge。 However, the prestige of the royal family among the people is high. So, on many issues, the cabinet wants to get the support of the monarch. This is especially true in war.

In order to give George V confidence in the Royal Navy, Prime Minister Asquith presented the naval shipbuilding plan submitted by Churchill. When George V heard this, he was really smiling.

"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 be able to regain its strength. When the time comes, we can make the Germans pay with blood and completely defeat them! Let them know that if they want to challenge the hegemony of the British Empire, they are simply looking for 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 repeatedly: "Is there any difficulty in the navy?" If you need 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, he had accumulated considerable financial resources over the centuries. 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, the main thing is the financial pressure. The Navy's warships would cost £70 million to build successfully. And now it's in the middle of the war, and the pressure on the government is very high. So, it's hard to raise that much money. Prime Minister Asquith said.

"In terms of funding, the royal family can provide some support. In this way, the royal family contributed 20 million pounds for this money. The government is responsible for the rest. King George V said generously.

You know, money in this era is very valuable. 20 million pounds is already a lot of money. At the exchange rate, 20 million pounds sterling is already equivalent to 400 million marks.

"Yes, Your Majesty." Prime Minister Asquith was overjoyed. The royal family's contribution of 20 million pounds is at least a solution to the urgent need. The preliminary work of the Navy's shipbuilding program can already be prepared. The money you need next, you can find another way.

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 program can be launched immediately. However, they also face a series of challenges. For example, it will take at least two years for these warships of the Navy to be completed. And the Germans, will they give them two years? This is undoubtedly very difficult. In addition, the German Navy's attack on Britain's sea transport lines continued. After this loss, it was clear that the Royal Navy could no longer attack the German Navy's broken fleet. In this case, sooner or later their sea transport lines would be cut off by the Germans. At that time, I am afraid that before the two years have arrived, they will be dragged to death.

"No, it can't go on like this. Otherwise, the British Empire would have been defeated. "Prime Minister Asquith's face is ugly. But what can be done to help the British Empire? Prime Minister Asquith began to ponder.

When the car drove into the Prime Minister's Office, Prime Minister Asquith finally had a rough idea.

"Come, bring the Minister of the Navy and the Minister of Foreign Affairs at once, I have an urgent matter to discuss with them." Prime Minister Asquith commanded.

"Yes, Your Excellency Prime Minister." The secretary immediately went to arrange it.

In less than half an hour, Churchill and Edward? Sir Grey arrived at the Prime Minister's House.

Although it was late now, neither of them had rested. As important ministers of the empire, and at a time when the empire is in danger, the two of them are also very busy.

"You two, I came here so late, mainly to see if there is 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 be able to last two years. Prime Minister Asquith said.

Churchill and Edward? Sir Grey and the others also nodded again and again.

They naturally knew that once the sea lines of transport were cut off, it would be a problem for them to even survive, let alone fight the Germans, with the resources of Britain itself.

"Your Excellency Chancellor, the Germans have used the Broken Engagement despicably, and we are unable to crack their tactics for the time being. However, it is not without problems to solve this problem. John? Admiral Jericho, there was a suggestion that I think was very effective. Churchill said.

"Oh? What is recommended? Prime Minister Asquith asked.

"John? Admiral Jericho, advise our merchant ships to fly the American flag. Or simply hire American merchant ships to transport supplies for us. In that case, the Germans would not have been so mad that even American merchant ships would attack, would they? If they really have that guts, it will be a good thing for the Empire. Don't forget, the United States is also one of the great powers in the world. Their naval strength, ranked behind the Reich and Germany. If they join the Reich side in the war, they will surely be able to defeat Germany very quickly. Prime Minister Winston Churchill said.

Asquith nodded repeatedly: "This is a very good idea. If this were to be carried out, the Germans would not be able to cut off our sea transport lines. Although we will incur some additional costs as a result, it is understandable. ”

"Your Excellency Prime Minister, in my opinion, we should still find a way to drag the Americans into the water. The Germans were so strong in this war that they were completely unexpected. If we can get the Americans to join our camp, we will undoubtedly be able to defeat the Germans at the lowest cost. "Edward? Sir Grey also said.

"The Americans have been waiting for the price to sell, and it may be very difficult for them to express their stance to join us!" Prime Minister Asquith frowned.

"We can think of other ways, for example, to increase orders for war materials for Americans and continue to lend to Americans. In that case, it's like they don't join us in the fight. Once we lose the war, then they will get nothing. "Edward? Sir Grey smiled sinisterly.

Prime Minister Asquith thought about it and expressed his support for the proposal.

"Let's get our ambassador to the United States to get in touch with the Americans first! If possible, let the Americans join us. To do this, we can cede a part of the benefits. ”