"Everyone, let's stop here for today's meeting. I will consider your suggestions carefully." Prime Minister Asquith said with a tired face. It is obviously impossible to make a decision on such a major decision concerning the fate of the country all at once. Especially the current situation is very unfavorable to them and they are likely to lose the war.
"Yes, Prime Minister." The other Cabinet members said one after another, and then everyone stood up and prepared to leave.
"Churchill and Edward stay!" Prime Minister Asquith said.
First Sea Lord Churchill and Foreign Minister Edward? Sir Gray was stunned for a moment, then nodded. They knew that Prime Minister Asquith kept them here specifically, and there must be something important to discuss with them.
After everyone left, Prime Minister Asquith, Churchill and Edward? Sir Gray also left the conference room and went directly to Prime Minister's Office.
"If we seek peace from the Germany people, how likely is it to preserve the fundamental interests of the British Empire?" Prime Minister Asquith asked directly.
Churchill and Edward? Sir Gray both know that if Germany's conditions are not too harsh, Prime Minister Asquith may really seek peace. After all, the chances of winning this war are very slim, and there is even a high possibility that they will lose the war. Once the war is lost, British Empire will be completely finished. It is better to seek peace now. In this case, we may be able to pay less losses.
As for the fundamental interests of the British Empire, apart from the local area, I am afraid that there is only India. In other words, if British Empire loses other places during the war, even if only the homeland and India are left, then they can still quickly regain their strength and become a powerful country. HMS Indomitable has many ports and rich resources. More importantly, those HMS Indomitable have been tamed by the Britain people. Therefore, they can exploit and oppress India at will and plunder huge wealth from India. However, if I change to another place, I'm afraid it won't work.
However, everyone knows India's wealth and HMS Indomitable's character, which makes all countries covet India. If it is said that because of the British Empire's strong strength, everyone did not dare to act rashly. So, after Germany knocks Britain down this time, will Britain be left with India again, giving them a chance to rise again? That is obviously impossible.
"Prime Minister, I'm afraid we can't keep India. The Germany people will definitely ask us to cede India to them. Even all overseas colonies will be retained. Not much. Germany people's appetite may be greater than we imagined. Isn't it because of our overseas colonies that they are deliberately trying to challenge us?" Edward Sir Gray said.
Prime Minister Asquith nodded. If it were him, he would probably snatch India away from Britain without hesitation. Without India, the foundation of Britain has undoubtedly been shaken. It is impossible to pose a threat to Germany in the future.
"Now we are not defeated after all. Although the Germany people have gained an advantage, they have not won after all. If we negotiate with them, it may be possible to keep India." Prime Minister Asquith said.
Edward? Sir Gray nodded, but he had to admit that this possibility was really very small.
"Then Ministry of Foreign Affairs should make contact with the Germany people. If they agree to a truce, British Empire can give them both Africa and Middle East's colonies. In addition, In terms of war compensation, we can also give them 100 million Pounds Sterling. Such conditions are not bad. If the Germany people can agree, it will be very beneficial to them," Prime Minister Asquith said.
Although, the price paid is not small. However, for Britain, this is not a traumatic loss. As long as they work hard to develop for a period of time, their national strength will be restored and they will have the strength to confront Germany again.
"Yes, Prime Minister, I will arrange it." Edward Sir Gray said.
Prime Minister Asquith nodded and looked at Churchill.
"If we let go and fight the Germany people, what are our chances of winning?" Prime Minister Asquith asked. Although, in his heart, he was already inclined to negotiate peace with Germany. However, he still did not give up on victory. It would be the best if we could win. In that case, British Empire can not only maintain these existing interests, but also kill Germany people and cut off a large piece of fat. The losses incurred in the war can almost be made up. Of course, Prime Minister Asquith also knows that the chance of winning is very small.
"With Prime Minister cut off, it may be very difficult to defeat the Germany people. Unless, in the naval battle, God is on our side. Otherwise, it will be difficult for us to defeat them. There is a fundamental error in the design of our warships, which makes our warships Yes, we are much inferior to Germany. This means that we are very likely to be at a disadvantage in a naval battle. Of course, there are many factors that determine the outcome of a naval battle, and it is not just this aspect. For example, if we are lucky in a naval battle, we will also have a chance to win." Churchill explained.
Prime Minister Asquith nodded. Although Churchill didn't say it clearly, he knew that based on the actual situation, British Navy's chance of winning was very small. So much so that Churchill can only place its hope on illusory luck. It is obviously unrealistic to expect Britain to have better luck in the naval battle and defeat German Navy.
"If we lose, British Empire will be completely finished." Prime Minister Asquith said.
"Yes, Prime Minister. If we are defeated, then we will have to agree to the most demanding conditions of the Germany people, or even let them be slaughtered by the Germany people. If If we reject them, the Germany people will even land on our homeland and plunge the entire country into war. By then, our country will be destroyed," Churchill said.
Prime Minister Asquith's face couldn't help but become even more ugly. As the Prime Minister of the British Empire, the actual leader of the country, he certainly does not want to see such a day come to pass.
"Edward, I authorize you to negotiate with the Germany people. If the conditions of the Germany people are not harsh, then end the war." Prime Minister Asquith said.
"Yes, Prime Minister." Edward? Sir Gray nodded.
"Churchill, if diplomatic negotiations fail, then we will only have war." Prime Minister Asquith continued.
"Prime Minister, I will try my best to win!" Churchill said.