Chapter 258 The King's Worries

"Churchill, can these battleships really be built in two years?" Prime Minister Asquith asked.

"There shouldn't be a big problem. The new 'Iron Duke'-class battleships and the new 'King George V-class' battleships are all modified on the basis of the 'Revenge-class' battleships. We will divide these two classes into eight The battleships should not be too big of a problem if they are handed over to the major shipyards. As for the 'Lion-class' battleships, it is a little more difficult, not only to build a larger hull, but also to develop the 406mm main gun It has not been completed yet. However, even if there are problems, I believe that with our strength, we can overcome them," Churchill said.

Prime Minister Asquith nodded. On this issue, he chose to trust Churchill. In fact, he had no choice but to trust Churchill.

"In terms of battlecruisers, we plan to build three tiers of ten battlecruisers, namely the 'Prestige-class' battlecruiser, the 'Glory-class' battlecruiser and the 'Hood-class' battlecruiser. The 'Prestige-class' battlecruiser Both the line cruiser and the "Glory class" battlecruiser are equipped with three triple-mounted 381mm main guns, with a displacement of more than 35,000 tons, a maximum speed of 27 knots, and a main armor thickness of about 330mm.' Hu The German-class battlecruiser has a displacement of more than 40,000 tons, is equipped with three triple-mounted 406mm main guns, has a maximum speed of 27 knots, and has a main armor thickness of 350mm. Among them, the first two battlecruisers will each build three ships, and the rear one Class battlecruisers, four ships will be built. The overall construction plan will be completed within two years." Churchill said.

"Twelve battleships, plus ten battlecruisers, are the most powerful battleships and battlecruisers. If these twenty-two battleships are completed and put into service, the Royal Navy will definitely be able to regain its glory. At that time, we will It can completely defeat the Germans." Prime Minister Asquith said with satisfaction. He believes that these warships will allow the Royal Navy to regain the ability to aspire to the world's number one throne.

"Where are the Germans? Will they have plans for new construction?" Prime Minister Asquith asked. If the Germans also start building new warships, they will probably be caught in an endless naval arms race. At that time, it is hard to say whether it will be delayed until the end.

"Your Excellency, our intelligence personnel are doing their best to inquire about the new German battleships and battlecruisers, but at present, they don't know anything about it. The Germans seem to have no plans to build other than the capital ships under construction. A new capital ship. I think this is because the Germans are too confident, thinking that with the capital ships they are building now, they can completely defeat the British Empire. Even if they find out about the British Empire’s naval construction plan, and re- It is too late to start building new battleships. There is absolutely no way for them to complete the construction of these battleships in the shortest time like the British Empire." Churchill said proudly.

"Very good, very good. In this case, the Royal Navy might really be able to win." Prime Minister Asquith nodded in satisfaction.

"Your Excellency, the cost of this batch of warships will be very high. Especially because we need to hurry as much as possible, so we need to recruit more skilled workers and divide them into three shifts to build them. The cost will be at least half that of other warships. "Churchill said with some concern.

"Well, there is no way around it. Who made the British Empire face such a big crisis?" Prime Minister Asquith sighed. Although the British Empire is rich and powerful, if it is always wasted like this, it will not last long. However, if you don't fight hard, this may cause the British Empire to lose more benefits. The lesser of two evils can only be built more battleships.

"Your Excellency, if the Royal Navy has these warships, we will definitely be able to defeat the Germans and maintain the supremacy of the empire." Churchill promised.

"Well, the British Empire must win, otherwise, we will all become sinners of the empire!" Prime Minister Asquith said.

"Churchill, how much will these twenty-two warships cost?" Prime Minister Asquith asked.

"Your Excellency Prime Minister, we have made a preliminary estimate that it will cost about 70 million pounds. Of course, it cannot be ruled out that it will rise a little bit," Churchill said.

"Seventy million pounds?" Even though he had already prepared for it, Prime Minister Asquith couldn't help but feel a little toothache when he heard this figure. The British Empire is indeed rich and powerful, but because of the damn war and the arms race before the war, they have already accumulated a lot of debt. If another 70 million pounds were to be allocated to the navy to build new warships, it would undoubtedly put them in high debt.

"Yes, Your Excellency the Prime Minister." After Churchill finished speaking, he looked at Prime Minister Asquith eagerly, for fear that he would retreat because of the high cost.

"Well, I will discuss this appropriation with the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Parliament, and there will be no major problems. For the Royal Navy, I will fully support it. But at the same time, I also make a request, that is, in the future In war, the Royal Navy must win. Otherwise, all our efforts will be in vain," Prime Minister Asquith said.

"Yes, Your Excellency the Prime Minister. We will definitely win this war." Churchill said.

"Your Excellency, Your Majesty the King, please go to Buckingham Palace immediately." The secretary reported to Prime Minister Asquith.

"Okay, prepare the car, I'll go right away." Prime Minister Asquith ordered.

Later, he said to Churchill: "His Majesty the King should also be concerned about the situation of the navy. I will explain it to him. Don't have any burdens. Find a way to further strengthen the Royal Navy!"

"Yes, Your Excellency the Prime Minister." Churchill nodded and left.

Prime Minister Asquith went to Buckingham Palace to meet King George V.

As soon as George V saw Prime Minister Asquith, he left and asked: "Your Excellency, the Royal Navy lost a long time in today's naval battle, losing ten battleships? In the next battle, what will the Royal Navy do?" Can you beat the Germans?"

"Your Majesty, the Royal Navy has indeed just suffered a big defeat. However, we will not be discouraged by this, let alone admit defeat to the Germans. The Navy has submitted a new shipbuilding plan. Within two years , we can rebuild a more powerful navy. At that time, we will have a decisive battle with the Germans. Victory must belong to us.” Prime Minister Asquith expressed confidence.

Seeing the confidence of Prime Minister Asquith, King George V's worries dissipated.