1.07 Billion Dollars, in 1915, this was definitely an astronomical number. In fact, this is more than United States's annual military expenditure. If American Navy obtains this funding, at least forty new Capital Shipss can be built, making American Navy instantly a powerful force that can rival German Navy. If you add in US government's investment in the navy, it will be easy to surpass German Navy.
The thought that American Navy will usher in explosive growth after receiving such a huge sum of money makes Minister Daniels very satisfied. As Secretary of the Navy, he certainly hopes that American Navy will be as powerful as possible. It is best to surpass Germany and become the new maritime overlord. Although, he knew it was very difficult and not easy. But he believes that as long as there is sufficient financial support, everything will be very easy to achieve.
"By the way, your Excellency, Minister. Republic of America hopes to obtain your country's 381mm Main Gun technology and Steam Turbine's complete set of technologies." Minister Daniels continued. These two most critical technologies are what American Navy is determined to obtain.
Churchill was stunned and said casually, "Of course there is no problem. However, British Empire spent a lot of manpower and material resources to develop these two technologies. If Republic of America needs them, we can transfer them to you at a preferential price."
Although these two technologies are advanced technologies of Britain, they are absolutely not allowed to flow abroad unless absolutely necessary. However, the current situation is critical and we can no longer care about that much.
In addition, Churchill also hopes to use these two technologies to get a big hit from Americans. In this case, you may be able to save some money. After all, more than one billion US dollars is simply a huge amount of money that Britain cannot afford.
However, Churchill soon learned that he underestimated the shamelessness of these Americans. Americans simply wants to get these two technologies of Britain for free, without paying a penny.
"Ahem! Your Excellency, Minister, you misunderstood. Republic of America hopes that British Empire can transfer these two technologies to Republic of America for free as a small compensation for Republic of America's huge risk!" Minister Daniels said.
Churchill suddenly suppressed his face and turned red. He never thought that these Americans would be so shameless. He even wanted to get up and slap the other party immediately. This was clearly Americans taking advantage of them and trying to rip them off. However, he had to suppress his anger firmly and not lose the big for the small.
"Your Excellency, Republic of America risked offending Germany people to support British Empire. British Empire won't be stingy enough to be unwilling to transfer both technologies, right?" Bryan asked.
Churchill twitched her mouth in distress, those are the two most critical technologies! However, since Americans has said so, can he still refuse?
"Okay, for the sake of the friendship between the British Empire and Republic of America, we agree to transfer these two technologies to your country." Churchill pretended to be nonchalant even though his heart was bleeding.
"Very good, Your Excellency, Minister. I believe that the friendship between our two countries can continue to be maintained." Bryan laughed.
"However, Your Excellency Secretary of State, British Empire now simply does not have that much funds to pay for this Ship Purchase Payment, so we hope to be able to pay American loan with a loan!" Churchill said.
"What? Loan?" Bryan and Daniels suddenly looked unhappy. They don't want to continue to provide loans to Britain people. Although they have provided a large amount of loans to the Britain people before, judging from the current battle situation, the possibility of the Britain people winning is very small. If they continue to provide loans to them, wouldn't it be like a meat bun beating a dog, and there will be no return? Americans would not do such a low-cost business.
"Your Excellency, Minister, let's forget about the loan. Republic of America's funds are not abundant." Bryan smiled.
"Your Excellency, Minister, your country can pay with other items of equal value, such as gold or other precious metals, etc." Minister Daniels said.
Churchill hesitated for a moment, and then said, "Since United States cannot provide us with a loan, then we have only one way. British Empire hopes to repay the loan Ship Purchase Payment by transferring the colony to your country."
"Transfer the colony?" Bryan and Daniels were immediately stunned.
United States has always coveted British Empire's vast colony. If possible, they would like to defeat British Empire themselves and snatch all of the British Empire's colonies. However, after comparing the military strength of the two sides, Americans had to give up this unrealistic fantasy and could only watch with envy that the Germany people were about to defeat the Britain people and take away those colonies.
Now, the Britain people are actually willing to transfer the colony to them to repay the construction fee. This is an acceptable plan for United States. After all, United States has no shortage of funds and the like, and they value colonies more.
"Your Excellency, Minister, if it is a colony, then your country plans to transfer those colonies to us. After all, 1.07 Billion Dollars is a huge sum of money. If it is a colony with poor conditions, United States is not needed." Bryan said.
Britain's colonies are mostly good places, but there are also a few that are not so good.
"Your Excellency Secretary of State, if your country agrees, we can transfer the two colonies Bahamas and Jamaica to you to offset the Ship Purchase Payment." Churchill said.
Bryan immediately shook his head. "Your Excellency, the two colonies Bahamas and Jamaica are not big, and they are not worth so much money."
Churchill thought for a while, and then said, "We can add Grenada. The price of these three colonies is enough to offset Ship Purchase Payment."
These three colonies are all islands located on the Caribbean Sea, and their geographical location is very important. Especially for United States, if they own these colonies, they can further expand their power to South America. If Germany defeats Britain and captures these colonies, it will directly threaten United States's homeland.
However, if these three colonies are sold for 1.07 Billion Dollars, it will also be a sky-high price. After all, when the Britain people captured these colonies, they spent no effort at all.