"Prime Minister, gentlemen, Germany, the life and death enemy of the Empire, has become even more powerful after defeating Austro-Hungarian Empire. Now, their Pacific Fleet has officially entered Lion City, and the battleships have begun to move in Western Pacific is patrolling. There are even traces of Germany* warships along the coast of the Empire, which is definitely a great threat to the Empire, "Navy Minister Admiral Katō Tomosaburō said at the Cabinet meeting.
Prime Minister Masatake Terauchi and all Island Nation's Cabinet's senior officials all had serious faces. The previous attack by Germany on Island Nation was still fresh in their memories. The reason why the previous Okuma Shigenobu and Cabinet collapsed is undoubtedly inseparable from this.
"The Germany people are now the world's overlords. Their power is well known. Empire wants Vengeance, but I don't know how long it will take!" Masatake Terauchi sighed.
The other Cabinet Ministers all nodded. The powerful Germany was like a big mountain, pressing on their heads, making them almost breathless.
"Prime Minister, gentlemen, Germany is very powerful. However, Germany's main enemy is not Empire, but United States on the other side of the ocean. Therefore, even if we go to war with Germany, we will not Against the main force of Germany, what we have to deal with should be Pacific Fleet from Germany, plus Indian Ocean Fleet at most. If we work harder, we won't be able to deal with them," Admiral Katō Tomosaburō continued. He did not tell Mediterranean Fleet, otherwise, these Cabinet senior officials would definitely be even more desperate.
"Kato-kun, Pacific Fleet and Indian Ocean Fleet from Germany alone may not be easy to deal with!" Masatake Terauchi said.
"Yes, Prime Minister. However, we must have the courage and confidence to catch up. As long as we continue to increase investment in armaments, we will one day be able to surpass them. In the future, it is not impossible to defeat these two Grand Fleets of Germany people." Admiral Katō Tomosaburō continued.
This time, Admiral Katō Tomosaburō's intention was undoubtedly revealed. The other Cabinet Ministers all know it too. Obviously, Admiral Katō Tomosaburō hopes to further increase the navy's budget.
Masatake Terauchi thought for a while and then asked, "Kato-kun, if the navy wants to have the strength to fight Germany Pacific Fleet and Indian Ocean Fleet, how much investment do we need to continue?"
"Prime Minister, the navy's 'Fusō-class' Battleship are already in service, and the 'Ise-class' Battleship has also started construction. However, there are only four ships of these two levels of Battleship, only half of the German Navy Pacific Fleet, which is far from enough. In addition, in terms of single ship performance, our 'Fusō-class' and 'Ise-class', there is a big gap compared with the German Navy's equivalent Battleship. Therefore, we urgently need a more powerful Capital Ships. The design of the next-level 'Nagato-class' Battleship has been completed, which will be a Battleship with a displacement of more than 30,000 tons and equipped with 4 twin-mounted 45 times the caliber 410mm Main Gun. Its performance is already comparable to that of the advanced Battleship of the German Navy. The Navy hopes that the construction of the 'Nagato-class' Battleship will start as soon as possible, preferably next year. The subsequent design work of the more powerful Capital Ships will also need to start as soon as possible. In the next ten years, Imperial Navy must have 16 ships. The above-mentioned powerful Capital Ships can ensure that Imperial Navy has the strength to compete with German Navy. If you want to defeat German Navy's Pacific Fleet and Indian Ocean Fleet, it is best to add four more Capital Ships to bring the number of Imperial Navy's Capital Ships to 20!" Admiral Katō Tomosaburō said.
However, after listening to his point of view, the faces of several other Cabinet Ministers became unsightly. After all, that was 16 or even 20 Capital Ships! The cost of building each Capital Ships is very high. It is not an exaggeration to say that it is piled up with money.
In addition to the 'Fusō-class' Battleship that is already in service and the 'Ise-class' Battleship that has been budgeted and has begun construction, 12 to 16 ships are needed. This is undoubtedly a lot of money.
"Kato-kun, the plan for 20 Capital Ships is too huge. Empire simply does not have such a lot of funds. If it is 16 Capital Ships, we may still consider it." Masatake Terauchi said.
Tomosaburo Kato nodded, and Island Nation Navy was already very satisfied with being able to get 16 Capital Ships. After all, their Battleship can be regarded as the newly built cutting-edge Capital Ships. Those German Navy and Capital Ships, after ten years, can only be regarded as old battleships. When the time comes, Island Nation Navy's strength will undoubtedly dominate German Navy Pacific Fleet and Indian Ocean Fleet. If there was a fight, Island Nation Navy would undoubtedly have the advantage.
"Prime Minister, I'm afraid it will be difficult for us to raise so much funds." Finance Minister Kazue Fujita poured cold water on them.
The economy of Island Nation now is simply not as good as that of another time and space. In the First World War, not only did they not gain much, but they suffered huge losses. After the war, Germany also obtained the colony of Britain, which further squeezed the overseas market of Island Nation.
"In terms of funds, let's find a way to get another loan from United States! Doesn't Americans want us to fight against the Germany people? It's only natural that they provide part of the funds to the Empire!" Masatake Terauchi said.
"Hi, Prime Minister." Foreign Minister Ichiro Motono nodded.
"In addition, let's find a way to raise more funds from home. For example, further increase the price of rice!" Masatake Terauchi continued.
Island Nation Domestic food prices are undoubtedly very high. Because, most of the citizens of Island Nation buy food. This allows the Island Nation government to exploit the wealth in the hands of the people by manipulating rice prices. As long as the price of rice is raised, all the hard-earned money of the people will be taken away. Island Nation The government can use this money to develop armaments.
Although, the ministers of Island Nation's Cabinet believe that if the price of rice is further increased, it may cause public resistance. However, this is their only option.
"Gentlemen, for the future of the Empire, not only the navy must be strengthened, but the strength of the army must also be strengthened. In the next ten years, Imperial Army will have forty standing divisions and be ready for war!" Masatake Terauchi said.
This is undoubtedly preparation for war.