As the world's largest industrial country, United States's industrial output value has surpassed Britain as early as the end of the last century, becoming the world's number one. In addition, United States also has the third largest navy in the world. Therefore, this makes United States the target of competition for Allied Powers and Central Powers.
However, the war has just begun, the situation is not clear yet, and United States is not willing to make a choice now. They prefer to wait for the price, or wait until the situation becomes clear before joining the war. In this case, they can obtain the maximum benefit at the minimum cost.
United States's unique geographical environment makes it the chosen country. The isolation of Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean makes it difficult for other countries to launch attacks on their homeland. As long as a strong navy is maintained, the country's security can be ensured. As for the army, the surrounding countries are all war scum, so there is nothing to worry about.
Originally, Britain people looked down upon Americans extremely, thinking that they were just nouveau riche. They are even more unwilling to let United States's influence extend to Europe, so they are unwilling to let United States intervene in this war. However, they never expected that Germany would be so powerful and almost defeated them in the early stages of the war. Under such circumstances, Britain people naturally forgot about their previous worries and tried their best to pull Americans into their camp. This has become an important way for Britain to quickly defeat Germany and win the war.
Of course, Americans is not a fool, and naturally he will not let Britain get his wish easily. Therefore, Britain talents need to take various means to make United States join their camp.
"Prime Minister, Naval Ministry proposed a way to enhance our strength, which requires your approval." Churchill said when the conversation was about to end.
In order to enhance British Navy's strength as soon as possible, Churchill's hair is about to turn gray.
"Oh? What can I do?" Prime Minister Asquith asked. He has approved the navy's large-scale shipbuilding plan. But those battleships will take at least a year and a half to complete, so they still have to wait a long time.
"Prime Minister, we also have three Battleship built for other countries, which have not yet been delivered to other countries. However, they have been completed. If these three Battleship can be included in Royal Navy, this can instantly enhance the strength of Royal Navy." Churchill said.
"You mean those Battleship built for Turks and Chile?" Prime Minister Asquith frowned.
British Royal Navy's strength has always been the best in the world. And Britain's shipbuilding capabilities are also the strongest in the world. This makes other countries that do not have the ability to build Battleship often purchase from Britain when they want to own Battleship. And Britain is also happy to help them build it. After all, the arms business is very profitable. Especially Battleship is extremely profitable.
"But they have already paid. If we requisition these Battleship now, it will probably have a very negative impact on the British Empire's reputation." Foreign Minister Edward? Sir Gray frowned.
"Sir Grey, you can't control that much now. Royal Navy has suffered heavy losses and is in urgent need of battleships to replenish its strength. Requisitioning those three Battleship is the best way." Churchill said.
Although the three Battleships are all foreign trade type Battleships, their performance is not very strong. But now Royal Navy is no longer qualified to pick and choose.
Prime Minister Asquith frowned, seeming to be thinking about the pros and cons. After a few minutes, he made a decision.
"Okay, note to the Ottoman Turkish Empire and Chile, the Battleship built for them has been temporarily requisitioned by Royal Navy. After the war is over, we will compensate them." Prime Minister Asquith made a decision.
Although doing so will damage British Empire's credibility, for the British Empire now, finding a way to win the war is the most important thing. As for everything else, you can put it aside for now.
"Yes, Prime Minister." Edward? Sir Gray nodded.
"Prime Minister, Germany people have been wooing Ottoman Turkish Empire. Now if we do this, will Ottoman Turkish Empire be pushed into the camp of Germany people?" Edward? Sir Gray asked.
"Ottoman Turkish Empire should not join Allied Powers. After all, their geographical location is very important. They should know that once they join Allied Powers, they will inevitably encounter our attack. When the time comes, they will not be able to withstand it." Prime Minister Asquith said.
The current Ottoman Turkish Empire is not the powerful Empire that swept the entire Europe. It has long since declined and become Sick Man of West Asia. If it weren't for Europe's major powers to contain each other, I'm afraid they would have sent troops to destroy Ottoman Turkish Empire long ago. Therefore, Prime Minister Asquith and others did not take Ottoman Turkish Empire seriously at all, thinking that they did not dare to fight against the British Empire. Even if British Empire robbed their Battleship, they could only swallow their anger.
Churchill left Prime Minister's residence excitedly. He wanted to rush back to the Naval Ministry and ask someone to go to the shipyard immediately to receive the three Battleship.
The three Battleship are respectively the 'Sultan Osman I' and 'Reshadieh' built by Britain for the Ottoman Turkish Empire and the 'Almirante Latorre' built for Chile.
Among them, the two Battleships of the Ottoman Turkish Empire were originally built for Brazil. However, Brazil had no money to pay, so he transferred it to the Ottoman Turkish Empire. But I didn't expect that Ottoman Turkish Empire had paid the money, but before he got the battleship, it would be commandeered by the Britain people. This also became an important reason for the Ottoman Turkish Empire to join Allied Powers in the future.
British Navy, the three Battleship were named 'Agincourt', 'Ireland' and 'Canada'.
The 'Agincourt' has a displacement of 30,000 tons, a maximum speed of 22 knots, and is equipped with 7 twin-mounted 305mm Main Guns. It can be called the Battleship with the most main guns in the world.
The 'Ireland' has a displacement of 25,000 tons, a maximum speed of 21 knots, and is equipped with a five-seater twin-mounted 305mm Main Gun.
The 'Canada' has a displacement of 32,000 tons, a maximum speed of 22.75 knots, and is equipped with a five-seater twin-mounted 356mm Main Gun.
These three Battleships all have powerful firepower, but they all have a strong British Battleship style, which emphasizes firepower and speed and despises defense. This has proven to be impossible in previous battles.