Chamberlain had proposed this concept out of helplessness over Britain's current strength. As a veteran Imperialist nation, Britain's capabilities had not actually suffered any severe decline. It remained a global power and a great power.
However, the four "superpowers" he had mentioned were larger than Britain, had greater populations, and were developing faster. This placed Britain in a rather awkward position.
"Germany is currently Europe's only industrial powerhouse with a population exceeding one hundred million. Its industry ranks first in Europe. It is Europe's strongest nation and one of the world's major powers."
"European order requires Germany to set an example. After all, Europe now faced the Soviet Union's threat to the free world on one hand, while on the other, we also faced competition from nations beyond Europe."
"Compared to before the twentieth century, Europe as a whole had in fact declined, especially with the rise of powers beyond Europe such as East Africa, the United States, and Japan."
With greater ability came greater responsibility. Chamberlain's meaning was simply that he wanted Germany to step forward and shoulder more responsibility.
There was certainly nothing wrong with that, but why should Germany do so?
Adolf spoke at that moment. "Prime Minister Chamberlain, your concept of superpowers is quite interesting. But why should Germany safeguard Europe's security and compete against countries outside Europe, such as East Africa and the United States?"
"As Prime Minister Benito said earlier, the distribution of interests among emerging nations like ours, whether globally or even merely within Europe, is inherently unreasonable."
"Even when police officers arrest thieves, that is their job, but the premise is that someone can pay them a salary. That is also a reasonable demand for the profession of policing itself."
"As the saying goes, you cannot demand a horse to run without