Chapter 400 Compromise

"Gentlemen, Admiral Fletcher asked us, what should we do next? Should we continue to let the fleet stand there? The battleship 'Nevada' was seriously damaged. Although the watertight compartment was closed, it was still under construction. Water. Now it is more dependent on pumps to pump out the seawater pouring into the warship." Secretary of the Navy Daniels introduced to the ministers of the US cabinet.

President Woodrow Wilson frowned: "Minister Daniels, is the 'Nevada' really that badly injured? That is the best warship we have in service."

The flagship of the US fleet was hit by a light cruiser of the German Navy and immediately lost its combat effectiveness. This made Woodrow Wilson very annoyed. No matter what, it is the flagship of the US fleet! When the Germans did this, they were clearly hitting them in the face. If it wasn't for his inferior strength, he would have ordered the fleet to launch a counterattack.

"Your Excellency, the Germans were too ruthless. Their light cruiser cut through the armor of the battleship 'Nevada' with its sharp bow. Although, the battleship 'Nevada' The displacement is six times that of the German light cruisers. But it is like stabbing beef with a knife. This makes the battleship 'Nevada' more injured than we imagined. If possible, it is best Let the battleship 'Nevada' return immediately and enter the shipyard for repairs. Otherwise, it will have a great impact on the performance of the battleship." Minister Daniels said.

President Woodrow Wilson nodded, as if he understood.

"Everyone, tell me, what should we do now?" President Woodrow Wilson looked at a group of people.

These ministers of the US cabinet, one by one, you looked at me and I looked at you, without saying a word. The problem now is really too difficult. The fleets of both sides made an appearance in the Atlantic Ocean that they were tense and might go to war at any time. However, in fact, the two sides are desperately restraining to avoid further deterioration of the situation. To put it bluntly, Americans just want to save face. But it's a pity that the Germans just don't give them face. As for the US government, is there any way to turn the table. So, it's stuck there now.

"Your Excellency, why not let the 'Nevada' be withdrawn. After all, it is our most powerful battleship, and it cannot be lost in vain." Secretary of State Bryan said.

"If we withdraw the battleship 'Nevada' in this way, we will only have 11 battleships there, one less than the Germans. If there is a fight, wouldn't it be even more disadvantageous? "Vice President Marshall was a little worried.

"Your Excellency, the withdrawal of the battleship 'Nevada' does not affect the overall situation. Judging from our analysis of the strength of the German fleet, even if the battleship 'Nevada' was not injured. Once a fight broke out, we would not Possibly a German adversary." Secretary Daniels shook his head.

Minister Daniels' answer undoubtedly made some senior officials of the US government feel a little uncomfortable. However, this is the fact, there is no way! Who made the current strength comparison like this?

"Your Excellency, in this case, it is better to withdraw all the fleet. Anyway, we are not the opponents of the Germans. Even if our most elite fleet is sent out, it will not be able to defeat the Germans. If we continue to stay there, it will be dangerous. The odds will increase further," suggested Treasury Secretary McAdoo. After all, such a huge fleet stays on the ocean, burning oil all the time. In addition to others, the cost will be very large.

"Then how do we explain it to the domestic people?" Obviously, the domestic people will definitely not accept the reality that the government is weak. In the end, coupled with the fueling of the hostile Republican Party, it might directly cause their government to collapse. Such consequences are obviously not acceptable to these cabinet ministers. One by one, they have achieved their current status and power with great difficulty, and no one wants to give up just like this.

"Everyone, our fleet has held back twelve advanced German battlecruisers. This is equivalent to holding back almost one-third of the German navy. In such a Under the circumstances, is it possible for the British to defeat the Germans? If the British can win, then we simply let the fleet stay there. It can be regarded as our best effort to help the British.” Secretary of War Garrison suddenly Fantastic, such a suggestion was made.

President Woodrow Wilson couldn't help but his eyes lit up. In his opinion, this is indeed a very good solution. From the standpoint of the United States, it is natural that Britain and France can win the war. If Germany wins, a powerful European hegemon will emerge and pose a great threat to the United States. At that time, let alone the United States dominating the world, even if it wants to hold on to the American territory, it will be very difficult. A German Empire whose military power dominates the world will become a nightmare for other countries. On the other hand, Britain and France have been severely damaged by this war. Even if they win the war by luck, it will be difficult to recover in a short time. And that is undoubtedly the opportunity for the United States.

Well, now the problem arises. When the U.S. Navy dragged down the German Navy's breaking fleet, could the British Royal Navy defeat the German Navy's main fleet?

Everyone's eyes were on Secretary of the Navy Daniels.

"Your Excellency, gentlemen. This may be very difficult. Even if we hold off twelve German battlecruisers. However, the German High Seas Fleet still has 24 more powerful battleships. The British Royal Navy, after experiencing After the previous series of disastrous defeats, the strength has been greatly damaged. Although the British Navy's new ten elite battleships have entered service, I personally don't think that their ten battleships plus one vote of obvious battleships are the same. It can defeat the elite troops of the German Navy. I think the British probably don't have this confidence. Their only hope should be placed on the warships built later. And the no-fly zone of the Germans has realized the protection of the British With a complete blockade, it may be very difficult for the warships of the British Navy to serve. The result is naturally conceivable." Minister Daniels said.

Suddenly, everyone in the meeting room fell silent.

After a while, President Woodrow Wilson said: "Let General Fletcher withdraw!"