The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy. The monarch is only the nominal head of state, and his power is restricted by the cabinet and parliament. However, the royal family has high prestige among the people. Therefore, on many issues, the cabinet hopes to get the support of the monarch. This is especially true during war.
In order to make George V confident in Royal Navy, Prime Minister Asquith fully disclosed the naval shipbuilding plan submitted by Churchill. George V was really happy after hearing this.
"Very good, very good. Those Capital Shipss that the Navy is going to build are all powerful battleships! With these Capital Shipss, Royal Navys will definitely be able to regain their glory. When the time comes, I We can make Germany pay with their blood and completely defeat them! Let them know that challenging British Empire's hegemony is simply seeking death." George V said excitedly.
"Yes, Your Majesty, we believe that the future victory must belong to the Empire." Prime Minister Asquith said.
George V nodded repeatedly. "Is there any difficulty in the navy? If you need my help, just ask. After all, I am still König of this country. I must help my country and defeat the enemy!"
Prime Minister Asquith I just wanted to refuse, but then I thought about how the royal family has accumulated considerable financial resources over the past hundreds of years. So, I immediately had an idea. If financial support can be obtained from the royal family, then the pressure on the government will be much less.
"Your Majesty, mainly due to financial pressure. If these warships of the Navy are to be successfully built, it will cost 70 million Pounds Sterling. And now it is during the war, and the pressure on the government is very high. Therefore, it is difficult to raise so much funds." Prime Minister Asquith said.
"In terms of funds, the royal family can provide certain support. In this way, the royal family will contribute 20 million Pounds Sterling of this money. The government will be responsible for the rest." King George V said generously.
You know, money in this era is very valuable. Twenty million Pounds Sterling is already a large amount. According to the exchange rate, twenty million Pounds Sterling is equivalent to four hundred million Mark.
"Yes, Your Majesty." Prime Minister Asquith was overjoyed. The royal family invested 20 million Pounds Sterling, which at least solved an urgent need. The preliminary work of the Navy's shipbuilding plan can already begin. If you need the money next time, you can think of another way.
After the Buckingham Palace left, the smile on Prime Minister Asquith's face disappeared. Now, he still feels a lot of pressure. Although, the royal family's support allows the navy's shipbuilding plan to be launched immediately. However, they also face a series of problems. For example, it will take at least two years to complete the construction of these warships in the Navy. And Germany people, will they give them two years? This is undoubtedly very difficult. In addition, German Navy's attack on Britain's maritime transportation lines continues. After Royal Navy suffered this loss, it was obviously no longer possible to attack Commerce Raiding Fleet of German Navy. In this case, their sea transportation lines will be cut off by the Germany people sooner or later. By then, I'm afraid they will be dragged to death before the two years are up.
"No, we can't go on like this. Otherwise, British Empire will definitely lose." Prime Minister Asquith's face looked ugly. But, how can we help British Empire? Prime Minister Asquith began to think hard.
When the car drove into Prime Minister's residence, Prime Minister Asquith finally figured it out.
"Come here, call First Sea Lord and Foreign Minister immediately. I have something urgent to discuss with them." Prime Minister Asquith ordered.
"Yes, Prime Minister." The secretary immediately went to make arrangements.
In less than half an hour, Churchill and Edward? Sir Gray arrived at Prime Minister's residence.
Although it was very late now, both of them had not rested yet. As Empire's important ministers, and at a time when Empire was in crisis, the two of them were also very busy.
"You two, I have called you here so late. I mainly want to see if you have any way to solve the crisis facing Empire's maritime transportation line? If we cannot solve the problem of the maritime transportation line, we may not be able to persist for two years." Prime Minister Asquith said.
Churchill and Edward? Sir Gray also nodded repeatedly.
They naturally know that once the sea transportation line is cut off, it will be difficult for them to survive with only British mainland's resources, let alone fight with the Germany people.
"Prime Minister, Germany people despicably used breaking engagements, and we are temporarily unable to crack their tactics. However, it is not without problems to solve this problem. John? Admiral Jellicoe, once made a suggestion, and I think it is very effective." Churchill said.
"Oh? What suggestions?" Prime Minister Asquith asked.
"John? Admiral Jellicoe, it is recommended that our merchant ships fly the United States flag. Or simply hire United States merchant ships to transport supplies for us. In this case, the Germany people will not be so crazy that they even attack the United States merchant ships, right? If they really have the courage, this will be a big blow to the Empire It's a good thing for. Don't forget that United States is also one of the major powers in the world. Their naval strength ranks behind the Empire and Germany. If they join Empire in the war, they will definitely defeat Germany." Prime Minister Churchill said.
Prime Minister Asquith nodded repeatedly. "This is a very good idea. If implemented in this way, the Germany people will not be able to cut off our maritime transportation line. Although we will incur more costs, it is understandable."
"Prime Minister, in my opinion, we should still find a way to drag Americans into the water. Germany people are too strong in this war, which is completely beyond us It's unexpected. If Americans can join our camp, we can undoubtedly defeat the Germany people at the minimum cost," Sir Edward Gray also said.
"Americans has been waiting for a price. It would be very difficult for them to express their intention to join us!" Prime Minister Asquith frowned.
"We can think of other ways, such as increasing the order for Americans's war supplies and continuing to lend money to Americans. In that case, it would be as if they did not join our side in fighting. Once we lose the war, they will get nothing." Edward? Sir Gray smiled sinisterly.
Prime Minister Asquith thought about it and expressed support for this suggestion.
"Let our ambassador to the United States contact Americans first! If possible, let Americans join our camp. For this, we can give up some of our interests."