Chapter 983: The President's Choice
The confrontation between the Atlantic Fleet of the German Navy and the US Navy in the Atlantic Ocean has also attracted the attention of all countries in the world. Such a confrontation had already occurred in the last world war.
At that time, Germany forcibly designated the British coast as a no-sail zone, prohibiting ships from other countries from sailing in. For the sake of its own interests, the United States sent a fleet to forcibly break into the no-sail zone in an attempt to make Germany's no-sail zone a virtual reality. However, it was eventually intercepted by the German Navy. And eventually had to retreat.
This has always been a shame for the US Navy. If they could, they would certainly want to be ashamed. And this time is undoubtedly a great opportunity for them. If they can successfully eat the Atlantic fleet of the German Navy, then they will be able to occupy an advantage in the Atlantic.
Of course, if they really did this, when faced with the all-out counterattack of the German navy, they would probably have to retreat back into the military port and be turtles with shrunken heads. Unless they wait until the new capital ships are commissioned, they will not have a chance to enter the Atlantic to confront the German Navy.
Similarly, the Atlantic Fleet of the German Navy did not want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Relying on the Atlantic Fleet alone certainly did not eat the strength of the US Navy. However, if it is combined with the carrier-based aircraft force, the probability of eating the US fleet is as high as 90 percent or more. In that case, the German navy would maintain its superiority in the Atlantic for a long time. However, if this happens, I am afraid that it will lead to a war between Germany and the United States. What kind of consequences would that would be, the generals did not think about.
It is precisely because of this that their plans are vetoed in Germany. So that they can only watch the American fleet saliva.
In the United States, too, they are worried about this confrontation. After all, no one knows what kind of emergencies will happen on the ocean thousands of miles away. Once an emergency breaks out and the navies of the two countries go into flames, then the problem will be serious. Therefore, many people in the United States have begun to call for calmness at home and withdraw the fleet. If war does break out, it will definitely do more harm than good to the United States.
Washington, U.S.A., White House, inside the Office of the President. Cabinet ministers are meeting to discuss the situation. Also present at the meeting was Chief of Naval Operations William Frank Brown. Admiral Benson. In the U.S. * military, the Chief of Staff of the Army and the Chief of Naval Operations, respectively, are the de facto leaders of the Army and the Navy.
"Gentlemen, so far, our fleet and the Germans have been facing each other in the waters of the eastern Atlantic for half a month. Although, the situation looks dangerous. But, perhaps, because both sides exercised restraint and did not provoke conflicts and provocations. However, no one can guarantee what will happen next! Secretary of the Navy Daniels said.
"If we get into trouble with the Germans and even start a war, will we be able to take advantage?" Treasury Secretary McAdoo asked.
"Your Excellency, at this stage our fleet is stronger than the German Atlantic Fleet. At a price, we should be able to eat the Atlantic fleet of the Germans. "William? Admiral Benson replied.
"Will this change the balance of power between us and the Germans? Or will we be able to resist the main forces of the Germans once they retaliate? Secretary of State Brian also asked.
"Your Excellency, I'm afraid this will be very difficult. Now, we only have 11 capital ships. Although, these capital ships are all cutting-edge warships. However, the capital ships of the Germans were also very strong, no worse than ours, and even a little stronger. In addition, the number of capital ships of the Germans is very large, which is more than three times that of ours. So, if we are lucky enough to eat the German Atlantic Fleet unscathed, we will still not be an opponent if we face the main forces of the German Navy. At that time, they could only retreat to the military port, wait for the next batch of capital ships to enter service, and then find a way to compete with the Germans for the Atlantic. "William? Admiral Benson continued.
"That is, although we are sure to eat the Germans a fleet. But if the Germans come back with the main force, then we will have to hide in the military port. In that case, what about our East Coast? If the Germans launch an artillery bombardment of our east coast, our prosperous cities will probably be in ruins. The Germans, not for nothing, have done such things. Didn't they do the same thing when they were in the island country? When the time comes, the people living on the east coast will definitely flee to the west. This would be a disaster for the American Republic. "Secretary of the Interior Franklin? Ryan shook his head repeatedly.
"Gentlemen, it is impossible for the Germans to project all their naval power into the Atlantic. After all, they still need to leave a powerful fleet in the Far East. Otherwise, our greedy island allies will definitely take advantage of this opportunity to take action against their Far Eastern colonies. Minister Daniels said.
"But even then, we are no match for the German Navy!" Commerce Secretary Redfield said.
"Yes, I admit it. However, if our 'North Carolina-class' and 'South Dakota-class' battleships were put into service, we would have the strength to confront the Germans. Daniels said.
"The risks are still too great. Now our strength is still very weak. If we rush to war with the Germans, it will be very bad for us! Not only us, but also our allies, as well as potential adversaries of Germany, were still in a weak position. The Germans, on the other hand, although they were trying to digest the benefits gained from the war, in reality, their strength, at least war power, was still at the pinnacle. Those demobilized soldiers can be rearmed within a month. Their fleet, which can hit our east coast in a month. If the Germans were to attack us at all costs, we would be very difficult to resist. So, at this time, it is better not to overstimulate the Germans. Otherwise, we'll pay a lot of money! Secretary of War Garrison also said.
Woodrow? President Wilson, instead of speaking, is listening to everyone's opinions. He needs to synthesize everyone's opinions before making a decision. In that case, we will be able to make the most correct judgment.
Actually, Woodrow? President Wilson also did not want to tear his face with Germany right now. Because in his opinion, the current United States simply does not have the strength to defeat Germany.