Washington, White House, President Roosevelt's underground office.
After returning from German Army Headquarters, US Secretary of State Hull came straight here instead of going to his own office. He had to report the Germans' demands to President Roosevelt at once.
"Mr. President, the Germans have formally rejected our request for peace talks. They demand that we surrender unconditionally. Otherwise, the German military will continue its offensive and wipe us out in one stroke!" Secretary of State Hull said.
President Roosevelt's expression turned exceedingly grim as well. He had not expected the Germans to impose such terms. He had previously believed that the Germans might put forward many harsh restrictions on the United States. But he had never imagined that they would directly reject their request for peace talks and demand unconditional surrender.
"If we agree to the Germans' demand for unconditional surrender, then we will have no choice but to let them carve us up like meat on the chopping block!" President Roosevelt said. Such an outcome was undoubtedly one that neither President Roosevelt nor the other senior officials of the US government wished to see.
"Yes, Mr. President. When that time comes, the United States may no longer be able to exist," Hull said.
"The Germans' ultimate intention is to destroy the United States. Whether or not we accept their demand for unconditional surrender, they will destroy the United States all the same," President Roosevelt said.
Hull nodded. The Germans' intentions were undoubtedly plain for all to see.
Then the US government's choice became crucial. Should it resist to the bitter end, or accept the Germans' demands?
"Gather the others. Let us discuss it," President Roosevelt said.
"Yes, Mr. President," Hull said.
Before long, the United States' military and political leaders gathered together once more.
"Gentlemen, we formally submitted