"Mr. Churchill, what happened?" Prime Minister Asquith asked. Although, he was a little unhappy to have his sleep disturbed. But he knows that this is his duty as Imperial Prime Minister. While enjoying power, you must also assume corresponding responsibilities and obligations.
Perhaps, this is the so-called sweet trouble! Of course, anyone would be willing to bear this kind of trouble. British Empire is the world overlord, and Prime Minister who becomes British Empire is equivalent to the most powerful person in the world.
"Prime Minister, Germany people sent a large number of warships and submarines into Atlantic Ocean to attack our transport ships and merchant ships. Yesterday and today, we have lost hundreds of merchant ships." Churchill reported with a serious face.
"What? How could this happen?" Prime Minister Asquith frowned involuntarily. The loss of hundreds of merchant ships was already a big blow to Britain. Although, Britain still has a large number of merchant ships. But if they continue at this rate, they will probably lose all their merchant ships before long. At that time, how can they obtain urgently needed war supplies from overseas colonies? How can this battle continue?
"What about Royal Navy? Why can't you stop the Germany people? Churchill, you should know the importance of sea transportation lines to the British Empire? What if If our sea transportation lines are cut off, the people of the British Empire will not even be able to have enough food. By then, let alone continuing the war, I am afraid the government will collapse!" Prime Minister Asquith looked serious. After hearing the news brought by Churchill, all his sleepiness had completely disappeared.
"Prime Minister, Germany people are really too cunning. They sent out several Battlecruiser and submarines before the war started. Although the main force of Royal Navy was gathered in Scapa Flow. But before the official declaration of war, we had to Germany The blockade of the people is not tight, which gives them an opportunity. I have ordered Royal Navy to send warships to encircle and suppress the Battlecruiser and submarines of the Germany people. We will definitely prevent the Germany people from continuing to attack our merchant ships." Churchill said.
Prime Minister Asquith looked at Churchill and did not answer immediately. He always felt that things were not that simple.
"Mr. Churchill, I am very doubtful now, does Royal Navy really have the strength to defeat Germany?" Prime Minister Asquith asked.
"Prime Minister, please rest assured, Royal Navy will definitely be able to defeat Germany. I guarantee you this!" Churchill said solemnly.
"Churchill, you should know that I asked you to serve as First Sea Lord because of your talent in this area. Now that the war has broken out, I hope you can bring your talent into play. Lead Royal Navy to defeat Germany people, defend the glory of the British Empire. The importance of the navy to the British Empire is self-evident. If the navy fails, British Empire will be completely ruined!" Prime Minister Asquith reminded.
"Yes, Prime Minister, I know this very well. And our old enemy Germany people also know this. That's why they will launch a tit-for-tat attack on our maritime transportation lines. I Their overall strategy is to block Germany's coastline, cut off Germany's overseas trade, and drag Germany people to death after the war breaks out. But now. Germany people also used the same tactics to deal with us. This is also a huge threat to the British Empire if we can't deal with Germany people. If the maritime transportation line is hit, our overseas trade will be severely affected, or even cut off. By then, British Empire may also collapse," Churchill analyzed with a serious face.
Prime Minister Asquith nodded. For the British Empire, overseas trade lines are almost life. Once cut off, British Empire won't last long.
"Although the Germany people's tactics are very vicious, we have to admit that they are indeed very effective. They are like putting a noose around our necks, tightening it tighter and tighter, and eventually they will hang us." Churchill continued.
"The current situation is indeed critical. Come, notify all other Cabinet Minister and hold an emergency meeting." Prime Minister Asquith ordered.
Although it was already late at night, the situation was urgent and Prime Minister Asquith couldn't care less.
In less than half an hour, Prime Minister's residence's conference room was filled with people. British Cabinet's senior officials all yawned, drank strong coffee, and sat in their seats.
"Gentlemen, the reason why I have called you here so late is entirely because of the unexpected situation in the current war situation." Prime Minister Asquith said.
Suddenly, the faces of the senior officials below became unhappy. The reason why they pushed Britain to join the war was because they believed that Britain could win. But now it seems that something is not quite right!
Next, Churchill introduced the difficulties encountered to everyone. These Cabinet senior officials are even more anxious.
"Royal Navy must be dispatched to encircle and suppress the Battlecruiser Squadron and submarine forces of the Germany people. The maritime transportation line is the lifeline of the British Empire, and there must be no room for failure!" Chancellor of the Exchequer Lloyd? George was the first to express his position.
Other ministers also expressed their opinions one after another. They all know what the maritime transportation line means to Britain.
Churchill had to express his position. He had issued an order for Royal Navy to deal with the German Navy battleship formation and the submarine formation. This made the senior officials stop criticizing the navy.
"Prime Minister, it can be seen from this that the Germany people have been planning for this war for a long time. For this reason, they have even formulated an attack plan against the British Empire. Therefore, we cannot take it lightly. Now, the Germany people are already attacking Belgium. Belgians may not be able to resist for long. We have to send Expeditionary Force to European continent as soon as possible." Sir Gray suggested Foreign Minister Edward.
"Minister of War, send Expeditionary Force to European continent within a week. Is there any problem?" Prime Minister Asquith looked at Minister of War Richard Haldan.
"Prime Minister, the first batch of Expeditionary Force will go to European continent in a week. There should be no problem. The subsequent Expeditionary Force troops are also being prepared." Minister of War Richard Haldan answered.