"Your Highness, the British Government has agreed to provide us with funds or other industrial equipment worth fifty-five million pounds. The funds will be paid over ten years, at a rate of five and a half million pounds per year." Minister Andrew smiled as he explained, "Prime Minister Robert has agreed to let us freely choose between funds and industrial equipment as the form of aid. In theory, apart from technology and industrial equipment related to Britain's strategic interests, we can exchange any industrial equipment and resources for an equal value from these aid funds."
"Can we exchange them for the naval technology we need as well?" Arthur asked with some interest.
Britain's naval technology was one of the major factors behind the British Navy's lead over the world, while another was its enormous investment in the navy and its Two-Power Standard policy.
It had to be admitted that, even though the German Empire's overall strength had already become the second greatest in the world, it still lagged far behind the British Empire in naval affairs. Aside from submarines, its naval technology could be said to be inferior to Britain's across the board.
Although Germany had pursued Britain in naval affairs after its rise, the gap accumulated over such a long period would also require a great deal of time to gradually close.
"Most naval technologies are available, Your Highness. However, Prime Minister Robert specifically instructed us that the blueprints for all British battleships and large warships currently in service are not included in the aid." Minister Kent spoke helplessly.
Even after the two sides had discussed the matter at length, the British Government still refused to include the blueprints of active battleships and large warships in the aid.
Having blueprints did not mean Australia could produce warships, but blueprints