The next morning, Moltke the Younger, Falkenhayn, and Waldersee went together to the palace to make the Imperial Army's stance on the Marine Corps clear to Wilhelm II.
"Your Majesty, the Navy's attempt to form ground forces must absolutely not be permitted. It would break a long-standing convention. The German Empire's ground forces have always been organized and managed by the Imperial Army. If the Navy interferes, it will inevitably throw management into disarray. Not only would this waste resources, it would also cause great dissatisfaction throughout the Imperial Army. Therefore, I beg Your Majesty to reject the Navy's proposal." Moltke the Younger spoke eloquently, listing the drawbacks of establishing the Marine Corps and demanding that Wilhelm II directly veto the Navy's suggestion.
Wilhelm II's expression turned solemn as well. Although he had long guessed that the Navy's attitude would be very firm, he realized that he had still underestimated the Imperial Army's determination in this matter.
"Is this the opinion of the entire Imperial Army?" Wilhelm II asked.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Moltke the Younger immediately replied.
Wilhelm II looked toward Falkenhayn and Waldersee.
"Your Majesty, I also believe there is no need to establish a Marine Corps," Falkenhayn said.
"Your Majesty, amphibious warfare is not unfamiliar to the Imperial Army either. We can conduct specialized training in this area. Therefore, there is no need for the Navy to go to such trouble to establish a separate new force," General von Waldow said.
Wilhelm II nodded. He now had a direct understanding of the Imperial Army's position. Since these important Imperial Army leaders had already raised their objections so openly and unmistakably, they undoubtedly represented the opinion of the entire Imperial Army.
However, Wilhelm II had thoughts of his own. The conflict between Moltke the Younger and Oscar was becoming