"Gentlemen, British Empire is now in a life-or-death crisis. Our main enemy Germany has gained a comprehensive advantage over Royal Navy of the British Empire in terms of navy. This will be fatal to us. Now, we must take practical measures to help Royal Navy of the British Empire reverses the situation. If Royal Navy cannot defeat German Navy in the war, it will be a disaster for the British Empire!" Sir Bannerman said to all Cabinet members.
British Cabinet's ministers all had very solemn expressions on their faces. They have also obtained relevant information and know the crisis Royal Navy is currently facing. They believe that Sir Bannerman is not exaggerated at all. This time German Navy challenged Royal Navy, and the crisis caused to Royal Navy was absolutely unprecedented.
"How could German navy develop so fast all of a sudden? It's like they took a big step all of a sudden. You know, in the Pre-dreadnought era, although they started to catch up, they have been suppressed by us." Chancellor of the Exchequer Asquith also looked very ugly. He knew that under such circumstances, it was inevitable to provide additional funds to the Navy so that the Navy could build more warships and ensure that Royal Navy would have an advantage in the competition. However, Britain is now under equally great financial pressure. If more military expenditures are provided to the Navy, it will inevitably lead to further expansion of the fiscal deficit.
"No one knows this. However, the Capital Ships of those Germany people who are outfitting and are about to be completed cannot deceive people. Facing the aggressive pressure from the Germany people, we have no other choice. We must start building more Capital Ships to suppress the challenge from the Germany people to us." John? Admiral Sir John Fisher said.
"Everyone, do you have any objections to Admiral Sir John Fisher's request?" Sir Bannerman looked at the ministers.
On this issue, naturally no ministers would raise objections. After all, this is a matter of life and death for the British Empire. The navy is the foundation of the British Empire's country. Without a strong navy, British Empire's collapse is imminent. Therefore, even if they are trying to sell iron, they must ensure the naval advantage. This is a matter of principle, and absolutely no problems are allowed.
"Very good, since everyone has no objections, then the Ministry of Finance will prepare a special appropriation for the navy." Sir Bannerman said.
"Okay, Prime Minister. But what should Parliament do?" Asquith asked.
Britain is a Monarch country with a constitutional system. Although Prime Minister's power is great, it is not unconstrained. Many decisions need to be supervised by Parliament. Especially in terms of financial allocation, the consent of Parliament is required.
"As for Parliament, I will communicate with them. I believe that when British Empire faces a life-and-death crisis, no one will hold back." Sir Bannerman said.
Then, Sir Bannerman looked at John? Admiral Sir John Fisher.
"Admiral Sir John Fisher, Cabinet will fully support the navy in terms of funds. However, Royal Navy must ensure the advantage over Germany people. Only in this way, our interests will not be harmed." Sir Bannerman said.
"Prime Minister, please rest assured that the Navy already has a specific plan. I will ask the shipyard to speed up the construction of 'Bellerophon-class' Battleship and 'Invincible-class' Battlecruiser In addition, 'St. Vincent-class' Battleship and 'Indefatigable-class' Battlecruiser will also start construction as soon as possible to ensure that we continue to have an advantage in terms of dreadnoughts," said Admiral Sir John Fisher.
"Your Excellency Sir, can the advantage of Royal Navy be ensured by building these ships? According to the navy's shipbuilding plan we have seen, all these warships have been completed, and there are only 13 of them. There are seven known German Navy and New-style Battleship that are about to be completed. I believe that there must be many newer Battleship under construction in their shipyard." Foreign Minister Edward? Sir Gray said.
All fools know that not many first-class Battleship ships will be built. Now that New-style Battleship of German Navy is almost completed, it is certain that the construction of the newer Battleship is about to start, or has already started.
"The question raised by Your Excellency Foreign Minister is a very good one. According to the usual practice, it is indeed like this. We also speculate that a newer type of warship is being built in the Germany people's shipyard, which deserves our vigilance. The updated Battleship of Royal Navy is under design. However, we have now encountered a technical bottleneck. The development of our 13-inch main gun is not progressing smoothly. Therefore, construction has been delayed." Admiral Sir John Fisher said.
British Navy has always been focused on the speed and firepower of battleships and despised defense. The most effective way to enhance the firepower of a battleship is undoubtedly to use a large-caliber main gun. After moving the new 305mm Main Gun to the dreadnought, British Navy began research on a larger caliber main gun. However, the development of large-caliber main guns was not accomplished overnight. There are many technical difficulties that need to be overcome. Therefore, until now, Royal Navy has not been successful on the new 343mm Main Gun.
"Will Germany people get ahead of us in this regard?" Sir Bannerman is worried about this.
"This is unlikely. But it's not certain. After all, the Germany people's artillery technology is no worse than ours. If they invest heavily in research and development, they may be able to develop a large-caliber main gun before us." Admiral Sir John Fisher said.
"No matter what, Royal Navy can no longer lag behind Germany people. Admiral Sir John Fisher, you need to find a way to ensure Royal Navy's advantage!" Sir Bannerman made a request. Now, he just wants the results and doesn't care about the process at all.
"Yes, Prime Minister. We will speed up the development of large-caliber main guns. And before the large-caliber main guns are put into use, we will build one or two more stages of Battleship to ensure that we have an absolute advantage in quantity." John? Admiral Sir John Fisher said.
Anyway, Britain does not need to invest huge sums of money to build an overly powerful army, which allows them to concentrate their financial resources on building a navy. After receiving the support of Cabinet, Royal Navy will not lack funds for shipbuilding. They only need to follow the shipbuilding plan and place orders with the shipyard. Soon, New-style Battleship, one after another, will join Royal Navy, allowing Royal Navy to regain its advantage in the competition.
Sir Bannerman and others believe that Royal Navy will never lose in the naval competition.