"Good morning, Your Excellency!" William Jennings Bryan's face was piled high with smiles.
Although the United States also hoped to become the world's hegemon someday, from the current situation, it still had a long road to travel before reaching that position. The German Empire, on the other hand, seemed only a single step away from world supremacy. Therefore, even when facing no more than an ambassador from the German Empire, Secretary of State Bryan did not dare put on airs.
"Good day, Secretary of State. I apologize for disturbing you so early in the morning," Ambassador Grass said coldly. Though he spoke of apology, there was not the slightest trace of remorse on his face.
"Your Excellency, it is all for official business. I understand. May I ask what brings you to see me this time?" Bryan asked. Ambassador Grass's manner made him even more uneasy. The man clearly had not come with good intentions.
"Secretary of State, I formally represent the German Empire in lodging a protest with your country. Your nation's violation of neutrality laws by transporting weapons, equipment, and war supplies to Britain and France has already caused serious harm to the interests of the German Empire. The Empire absolutely cannot tolerate this situation continuing. Therefore, the Empire demands that the United States cease transporting weapons, equipment, and military supplies to Britain and France from this moment onward, lest the relationship between our two nations be damaged!" Ambassador Grass said.
Secretary of State Bryan's expression immediately turned unpleasant. As Secretary of State, he naturally knew perfectly well about the United States shipping supplies to the Allied Powers. Indeed, that had been a strategy formulated by the American cabinet—to use Britain, France, and the others to weaken Germany, preparing for America's future struggle with Germany over world supremacy.