The Britain destroyer Churchill was aboard arrived at Naval Base Norfolk on the evening of March 25. As soon as it entered here, the destroyer went directly into a dock and was tightly covered.
Americans does not want the Britain* warship to arrive at United States and be known to Germany people at this juncture. In that case, no one can guarantee what Germany people will think. United States has decided not to stimulate Germany anymore and not to offend Germany, so naturally he needs to be more careful.
After Churchill arrived, he was picked up directly by American security services. He will be placed in a secret place, and United States Secretary of State Bryan and Secretary of the Navy Daniels will receive him together. Originally, Secretary of State should be responsible for foreign affairs. But considering that Churchill is First Sea Lord in Britain, that's why Woodrow President Wilson arranged for Minister Daniels to also join in.
Originally, United States wanted to let Churchill take a rest and arrange a meeting tomorrow. However, Churchill strongly requested a meeting immediately. After United States thought about it for a while, he agreed to his request.
That night, Churchill met with United States Secretary of State Bryan and Secretary of the Navy Daniels in a secret room of a hotel in Washington.
After some pleasantries, the conversation among several people slowly got down to business.
"Your Excellency, Minister, we are really surprised that you would come to United States at this time. I wonder what the purpose of your visit this time is?" Bryan asked directly.
"Your Excellency Secretary of State, Royal Navy was defeated by German Navy a few days ago. We suffered heavy losses and were completely defeated. Under such circumstances, we can no longer compete with Germany." Churchill looked frustrated.
"Your Excellency, Minister, we deeply sympathize with your country's experience. However, Republic of America is a neutral country, and we need to strictly maintain neutrality during the war. This position will never change." Bryan directly blocked Churchill's next words to prevent him from inviting United States to join the war again. When Allied Powers is about to fail, Americans will not be so stupid.
Before, Britain people had invited United States to join the war. However, at that time United States believed that the situation of the war was still unclear, so he declined. Now, the situation of the war has become clear, but Allied Powers is obviously at a disadvantage, and may even lose the war soon. Under such circumstances, of course Americans will not join Allied Powers in the battle. Isn't it obvious that he will lose?
Churchill couldn't help but smile bitterly after listening to Bryan's words. Americans's attitude is undoubtedly very obvious, that is, he believes that Britain will definitely lose the war, so he does not want to be tied to Britain anymore.
In the eyes of Churchill, United States is just an upstart. If British Empire was still very powerful, Americans would never dare to treat British Empire with this attitude. But now British Empire no longer has the strength to scare Americans. All these made Churchill feel very sad.
"Sir Secretary of State, I came to United States this time to seek help from United States. However, we will not force United States to join Allied Powers fight. Of course, it would be best if United States can join Allied Powers and defeat the evil Germany with us," said Churchill.
"Your Excellency, Minister, it is impossible to join Allied Powers in fighting. How does Britain want us to help you?" Secretary of State Bryan said.
"Your Excellency Secretary of State, British Empire hopes to purchase a batch of warships from your country." Churchill said.
"Buy a battleship?" Bryan and Daniels were both stunned. When will British Empire also need to purchase battleships from outside? It's still the United States* warship that they have always looked down upon. This is really incredible. Of course, everything is understandable when we think about Britain's heavy losses in this naval battle just now.
"Mr. Churchill, how many warships does your country plan to order? Republic of America's shipbuilding industry is definitely among the best in the world. Once your country places an order, we can definitely build it for you in the shortest possible time." Minister Daniels was excited.
Bryan also smiled and nodded. The arms trade has always been the most profitable. In the past, they could only watch the Britain people make huge profits in the arms market, but they could not get any orders. Unexpectedly, Britain people are now begging them. As long as United States can build battleships for Britain, this will undoubtedly be of great help to improve United States's shipbuilding strength. At the same time, it is equivalent to advertising United States around the world. By then, United States* arms will definitely be able to make a breakthrough in the international arms market.
However, Churchill shook his head. This left Bryan and Minister Daniels a little confused as to what Britain was going to do.
"Your Excellency Secretary of State, Your Excellency Secretary of the Navy, British Empire hopes to purchase the twelve Capital Ships currently in service in your country's navy!" Churchill said.
"What?" Bryan and Daniels were stunned. They never expected that Americans would make such a request. You know, American Navy now only has these twelve Capital Shipss! The other battleships are just old Pre-dreadnought. Actual combat has long proven that the old Pre-dreadnought is no match for the new dreadnought. If United States sold all twelve Capital Shipss to Britain, wouldn't American Navy be vacated all at once? By then, how can United States's safety be guaranteed?
Although, in United States's shipyard, a batch of Capital Ships is being built. However, the construction of Capital Ships has always taken time. This is especially true for United States. Under such circumstances, if they sell the warship to Britain, it means that they will have no navy to protect their maritime interests for a long time. This is completely unacceptable to United States.
"Naval Minister, unfortunately, we cannot agree to your country's request! Republic of America, we also need a strong navy to safeguard our interests. If we sell the warship to your country, United States of America's safety will not be guaranteed. Therefore, we will not agree to your country's request." Secretary of State Bryan, refused without thinking.
Are you kidding me? Although the power of American Navy is not strong, how could they possibly sell those Capital Ships? Britain people are so whimsical.