"Your Majesty, the Germans have announced their new shipbuilding program. From 1912 to 1917, they will add another three Dreadnoughts. Together with their existing two, the three already under construction, and the four planned, the German Navy will have twelve Dreadnoughts by 1917!" Foreign Minister Metev said solemnly.
Having just returned from Saint Petersburg, Ferdinand received this good news. Yes, for Bulgaria, this was undoubtedly excellent news!
The more money the Germans poured into their navy, the less pressure Bulgaria would face on the Western Front in the future. As for the German Navy, that was John Bull's problem—not something Ferdinand needed to worry about.
All right, Ferdinand automatically ignored Romania to the north. In fact, even if the Germans were willing to help, Romania's strategic position was exceedingly unfavorable, wedged between Bulgaria and Russia.
Launching an attack from Romania would mean the enemy commander had water in his brain! The moment war broke out, Romania would clearly be struck from both Bulgarian and Russian fronts. Without eight hundred thousand to a million troops, even defending it would be difficult!
"What did the British do? Are they going to build six ships?" Ferdinand asked without a second thought.
"For every warship the Germans build, the British will build two!" This had been the bold declaration made earlier by British Secretary of State for War Haldane during his visit to Germany.
Oh, even earlier, Ferdinand had been in London, shouting the same thing at the Ottoman Empire. But the Ottomans were truly poor. After ordering two Dreadnoughts from Germany, they fell silent!
But the Germans were now clearly demonstrating against the British. Didn't you say you would build twice as many warships? Fine, then come on—whoever backs down is the grandson!
Foreign Minister Metev answered directly, "Yes, Your Majesty! In March