"Your Majesty, Empire are going to attack those merchant ships of Americans? As long as Your Majesty gives the order, we can leave and start the operation." Grand Admiral Count Tirpitz said excitedly.
You know, whether it is Commerce Raiding Fleet of Imperial Navy or the submarine force, they all covet those United States merchant ships on Atlantic Ocean. Especially these United States merchant ships, almost all of the goods transported to Britain are war materials. This has obviously caused huge damage to the interests of the German Empire. The officers and soldiers of Imperial Navy have long wanted to take action against these United States merchant ships.
However, due to the international situation, Imperial Navy had not dared to act rashly. But now, the time has come. Empire No need to worry about Americans anymore. Then, Imperial Navy naturally doesn't have to endure it anymore.
"No, directly attacking the United States merchant ship is an extreme method. This will have a certain impact on the Empire's reputation. Even if Empire doesn't care about these reputations, there is still no need to lie down." Before Wilhelm II said anything, Oscar spoke.
"Oskar, is there any way you can teach these Americans a lesson?" Wilhelm II asked.
"Your Majesty, I suggest that the Empire declares a no-navigation zone in the western and southern waters of the British Isles. Ships from other countries are prohibited from entering that area. If they need to enter, they must apply to Germany. Otherwise, they will be regarded as enemies of Germany. The German navy can sink any ship that has not been reported to the Empire. In addition, ships from any country are prohibited from transporting war supplies to Britain and France. The specific categories of war supplies are listed by the Navy. Imperial Navy warships will be inspected in the Atlantic and can be directly sunk if they encounter resistance.
Everyone looked shocked, and they all couldn't help but think that Oscar's words were too arrogant. This is simply to use the power of one country Germany to face other countries! Of course, they all believe that doing so will be very beneficial to Germany.
"Your Highness, is our attitude too arrogant? If so, I'm afraid it will arouse strong opposition from other countries." Chancellor Bülow said.
"If you object, just object! It doesn't matter. It won't cause any losses to the Empire. As long as we can win this war and become the world's hegemon, then everything will be worth it." Oscar said.
"Your Highness, we are obviously deliberately targeting Americans by doing this. Will this cause Americans to be dissatisfied and start a war with us directly?" Feng Kidron Wachth also said.
"They don't have the guts. Of course, this may bring the relationship between us and United States to a freezing point. However, I don't think this has anything to do with it. Anyway, after we win this war, we will also work with Americans is heading towards confrontation. We need to win this war at the minimum cost, so that we can have an advantage in the future confrontation with United States." Oscar said.
"Prohibited Navigation Zone, this name is very good. Since Americans wants to transport supplies to Britain and France, it will trick Empire. Then, Empire Just ban their ships from going to these two countries. Only in this way can Empire win this war." Wilhelm II made the final decision.
On February 18, 1915, German government officially released the announcement. In view of the fact that the coast of Britain has become a war zone, in order to avoid accidental damage, Prohibited Navigation Zone is designated along the coast of Britain. Vessels from any country are not allowed to appear in Prohibited Navigation Zone. Once you break in, you will be responsible for the consequences. In addition, any country is prohibited from transporting food, oil, steel, aluminum ingots and other non-ferrous metals, as well as weapons, equipment and ammunition to Britain and France. Once discovered, they will be regarded as enemies of Germany. Germany will take all means to defend the interests of the German Empire!
The announcement made by German government immediately caused an uproar around the world. Britain and France, two hostile countries of Germany, have accused Germany of making such an arrogant announcement, believing that Germany has no right to do so. You know, even when British Empire was at its strongest, they were never so arrogant! What's more, what Germany did was to target these two countries, wanting to completely cut off their overseas trade and directly trap them to death. Especially Britain, once overseas trade is completely cut off, they are really not far from death. Of course they will object strongly. However, German Empire has never cared about their objections.
US government was also furious at Germany's tit-for-tat response. They know that this is Germany's response to their previous reply. Germany people did this just to prohibit United States from transporting supplies to Britain and France. Germany took a tough stance, which naturally caused some people in American cabinet to waver in their stance. They are undoubtedly afraid that if they really do this, United States will be involved in the war. Although, the senior officials of US government all want to replace Britain and become the future world hegemon. However, if they are to pay the price of participating in the war, they may have to think twice.
However, under the strong push of Woodrow President Wilson, US government was still not scared by Germany people. US government publicly issued a statement saying that German government's outrageous and unreasonable actions are blatantly undermining free trade and trampling on freedom and human rights. United States will never abide by the so-called Prohibited Navigation Zone's regulations stipulated by Germany. United States has the right to trade with any country, and other countries have no right to interfere. At the same time, US government also said that United States has sufficient military strength to safeguard their interests. If the interests are damaged, United States will take all measures and means to protect their interests, including war.
US government's response has undoubtedly made the international situation more confusing. Many countries are not fools, and they naturally understand why United States and Germany are confronting each other. However, they are also speculating whether United States will be involved in the war.
Germany and Prohibited Navigation Zone have also had a certain impact on other countries. However, due to the strong power of Germany, they dare not speak out in anger. They can only wait to see the reactions of other countries before deciding what to do next.