"Admiral Beatty, I believe in your professional judgment as a Vice Admiral. Germany people may really become the biggest enemy British Empire has encountered in hundreds of years. But, even so, Royal Navy must do his best, Try to defeat them. British Empire's sea power must not be lost. Otherwise, you must be very clear about what this means to the Empire. Therefore, we cannot lose this battle, and we cannot afford to lose it!" Churchill said solemnly.
"Yes, Your Excellency, Minister!" John? Admiral Jellicoe and David? Vice Admiral Beatty both nodded.
Of course they know the importance of sea power to the British Empire. It can be said that the reason why British Empire has been the world hegemon for hundreds of years is entirely because of its control of sea power. Otherwise, it would be simply impossible for Britain to dominate the world with its hundreds of thousands of square kilometers of territory and tens of millions of people.
"Your Excellency, since German Navy is more powerful than we expected. Therefore, I suggest that we must be fully prepared before fighting the Germany people. Our 'Queen Elizabeth-class' Battleship has not yet been completed. Although the shipyard has accelerated, it is estimated that it will not be fully operational until the end of the year or even early next year. As for the 'Revenge-class' Battleship, according to the scheduled construction period, it may have to wait until the end of the year. It's the end of next year. Therefore, I hope that Cabinet can make additional investments to speed up the construction of 'Revenge-class' and Battleship, so that it can be put into service at the beginning of next year. In this case, we will have ten. The Battleship equipped with 381mm Main Gun will have a greater chance of winning when facing German Navy," John? Admiral Jellicoe suggested.
Churchill nodded. Since German Navy is very powerful, further strengthening his own strength is undoubtedly the best way.
"I will explain this to Prime Minister, and we should be able to win the support of Cabinet. No matter what, British Empire must be fully prepared to face such a powerful enemy this time." Churchill said.
At this moment, the secretary knocked on the door and came in to report, "Sir, Prime Minister wants you to come over immediately."
"It should be the sinking of the "Lion" Battlecruiser. I will explain it to Prime Minister. You guys rush back to Scapa Flow early tomorrow morning. However, I hope you can come up with a way to deal with Germany as soon as possible. people's Commerce Raiding Fleet and British Empire's maritime transportation lines must not be cut off, otherwise, the consequences will be very serious." Churchill said with a serious face.
Britain is extremely dependent on sea transportation. Once the sea transportation line is cut off, a large amount of industrial raw materials cannot be transported to Britain, and even food cannot be transported in. In that case, it will not only seriously weaken Britain's war potential, but even cause turmoil in the country. By then, Britain, let alone defeating Germany, would probably be very difficult to continue the war. Once the support and help of Britain is lost, it is impossible to defeat the ferocious Germany people just by relying on French and Russians.
After John? Admiral Jellicoe and David? Vice Admiral Beatty left, Churchill immediately took a car to 10 Downing Street and explained to Prime Minister Asquith about the sinking of the "Lion" Battlecruiser.
When Churchill arrived, he found that the conference room was already packed. Cabinet's important ministers have all gathered here. Obviously, everyone is very concerned about the Navy's losses this afternoon.
"Prime Minister, good evening, ministers!" After Churchill took the initiative to say hello, he went to sit down in his seat.
Prime Minister Asquith nodded. "Winston, did the Navy fail in its encirclement and suppression of the Germany people Commerce Raiding Fleet?"
"Prime Minister, to be precise, it failed temporarily." Churchill did not deny this.
"How can that be done? If the safety of our maritime transportation lines cannot be guaranteed, a large amount of materials will not be transported back to Britain. By then, there will be big problems." Home Secretary McKenna said dissatisfied.
"Yes, Winston. The sea transportation line must not be cut off. Our domestic food reserves can support up to three months. After three months, the people will be hungry. By then, society will be turbulent. Maybe we will all be driven out by the angry people." Chancellor of the Exchequer Lloyd? George also said.
"Gentlemen, I do not deny that the current situation has indeed become very unfavorable to us. However, this is only temporary. Royal Navy is trying to find ways to deal with the challenges of Germany people. Please look forward to it. Trust Royal Navy, soon we can defeat the Commerce Raiding Fleet people of Germany and ensure the safety of the sea transportation line," Churchill assured.
"Winston, did the Navy lose a Battlecruiser this afternoon? What happened?" Prime Minister Asquith stopped talking in circles and asked directly.
"Yes, Prime Minister. In the battle this afternoon, the 'Lion' Battlecruiser was unfortunately sunk. This is indeed a sad thing. To be honest, Royal Navy did not expect that our most powerful Battlecruiser would be so easily sunk by the Germany people. And The Germany people sank our Battlecruiser, which was almost the same tonnage and combat power as us. Moreover, this was in a two-on-one situation, and the "Lion" Battlecruiser was sunk. In order to avoid greater losses, the "HMS Royal Princess" evacuated directly. "Churchill told everyone with a sad face.
"What? It's actually like this?"
"God! How can German warship be so powerful? In a two-on-one situation, aren't our ships of the same class no match for the Germany people?"
"This battle seems to be very unfavorable to us! Can Royal Navy really defeat the Germany people?"
All the Cabinet beaters exclaimed. Although they learned about the sinking of the "Lion" Battlecruiser in battle, they did not know the specific process. Now when I heard Churchill say this, I suddenly felt an extremely bad feeling.
"Winston, Royal Navy can't deal with Germany people?" Prime Minister Asquith frowned tightly. This was undoubtedly a huge blow to him.
"Prime Minister, Royal Navy are trying to figure it out. However, we need more support. Royal Navy hopes, 'Queen Elizabeth-class' Battleship and 'Revenge-class'Battleship will be able to serve at the beginning of next year. In this case, we will have a greater chance of winning. Germany will not give us too long." Churchill said.
In the face of a strong enemy, British Cabinet passed the navy's request without any doubts. Increase a large budget so that the two-level powerful Battleship can be put into service as soon as possible.