Chapter 1608: Churchill's decision

"How did this happen? How did the German fleet appear there? The Americans are their real enemy!" Admiral John Tovey looked disbelieving, as if he still couldn't believe such a fact. .

  Although the strength of the British Royal Navy has recovered a lot now, even if it is not as good as dominating the world's oceans before the last world war, it can at least be regarded as the fourth naval power after Germany, the United States and island countries.

   But even so, Admiral John Tovey did not think that the Royal Navy was capable of confronting the German Navy. After all, the German navy is undoubtedly much stronger in comparison. The German navy is powerful enough to destroy the British navy in one fell swoop.

"Your Excellency Commander, this is a desperate message from our submarine. After sending this telegram, they will not be able to be contacted. There is a very high possibility that they have been sunk by the Germans." The staff officer reported road.

  Admiral John Tovey nodded. He also knew that, no matter what, the news obtained by the naval officers and soldiers could not be doubted. However, he really couldn't easily draw conclusions on such a major matter.

"Immediately send a telegram to the Admiralty and report the news to them. In addition, let the base in Newfoundland take off the plane and focus on searching the waters southeast of Greenland. We must find out the German fleet!" John Tovey entered will order.

   "Yes, Your Excellency, Commander." The staff officer immediately went to make arrangements.

  Newfoundland is not far from the sea southeast of Greenland, but it is still outside the flight radius of fighter jets. Even though the British Navy is equipped with many P-51 fighter jets jointly developed with the United States, even if these planes carry auxiliary fuel tanks, it is difficult to return after flying to the southeastern waters of Greenland. Therefore, only reconnaissance planes converted from heavy bombers, or seaplanes can be launched.

  However, whether it is a reconnaissance plane or a seaplane, the speed is very slow. It takes several hours to fly from Newfoundland to the southeastern waters of Greenland. Admiral John Tovey obviously couldn't wait that long, so he had to report to the Admiralty first. Wait until there is definite news, and then report to the Ministry of the Navy.

  Sir Dudley Pound, the Secretary of the Navy, also became very ugly after seeing the telegram presented to him by the secretary.

  The German Navy has been planning to launch an offensive to the western Atlantic Ocean, and Sir Dudley Pound is very clear about this. After all, after the fall of Russia, the most likely target of Germany's offensive is North America. This made both the British Navy and the US Navy the targets that the German Navy had to deal with before landing. Therefore, Sir Dudley Pound is not at all surprised that the German Navy will prepare to attack the British Navy.

   "Admiral John Tovey's telegram has many ambiguities. Especially the size of the German fleet, can you be sure?" Sir Dudley Pound asked.

"Your Excellency, it was our submarine that discovered the German fleet. But the submarine was sunk by the Germans after sending the telegram. Therefore, we cannot determine the size of the German fleet. However, judging from the information we have obtained so far, The size of the German fleet is not small. The Atlantic Fleet has already launched reconnaissance planes and seaplanes to search the waters southeast of Greenland, but it will take time to get accurate information." The secretary replied.

  Sir Dudley Pound nodded: "Prepare the car, I want to go to the Prime Minister's Office immediately!"

   "Okay, Your Excellency." The secretary immediately went to make arrangements.

  Five minutes later, Sir Dudley Pound left the Admiralty in a car and headed for the Prime Minister's Office.

  The Admiralty is not far from the Prime Minister's Office, only ten minutes' drive away.

  When Sir Dudley Pound arrived at the Prime Minister's Palace, Prime Minister Churchill was already waiting for him in his office.

   "Good afternoon, Your Excellency the Prime Minister." Sir Dudley Pound said.

   "Please sit down, Sir Pound." Prime Minister Churchill smiled. For him to be able to secure the position of prime minister, the support of the military is undoubtedly very important. You know, Churchill served as Secretary of the Navy and Minister of War respectively, which gave him a very large influence in the British military. It is precisely in this way that he was able to serve as the prime minister for more than 20 years. It can be said that in today's Britain, Churchill can be regarded as a dictator. This also made him pay more attention to the military.

"Your Excellency, one of our submarines has discovered the German fleet in the waters southeast of Greenland. Although, the size of the German fleet is still unclear. However, the Atlantic Fleet is worried that the Germans are here to deal with us." Dudley said Sir Pound.

  The expression on Prime Minister Churchill's face suddenly became serious: "Is our navy capable of dealing with the German fleet?"

Sir Dudley Pound shook his head: "Our strength alone is no match for the German fleet. Especially if the German Navy's Home Fleet, Atlantic Fleet and Mediterranean Fleet join forces, we are no match for the Germans at all." .Whether it is in terms of capital ships or aircraft carriers, the Germans have an absolute advantage!"

   "I will let the Air Force fully support you!" Prime Minister Churchill said.

   "Yes, Your Excellency Prime Minister. But even so, we are completely at a disadvantage. The German navy can attack our weak links at any time. It is very difficult for us to deal with the Germans."

   Prime Minister Churchill nodded. After retreating to Canada, although Britain can continue to exist. However, without the support of the huge local population and financial resources, the development of British military power has always been very difficult. Even after more than 20 years of development, Britain's military strength is still not worth mentioning compared with Germany. This also puts them at a disadvantage in this war. So much so that when the Americans decided to launch an active offensive, the British side would turn a blind eye and did not take the initiative to participate in it. One of the big reasons for this is that they are worried that the military power they have accumulated with great difficulty will be damaged. So when making many decisions, I have become cautious.

"Notify the Americans! The Germans are too powerful for us to handle. The Americans must join in. We cannot be allowed to deal with the Germans alone. Otherwise, we will only be left in the middle of this war , in an even more disadvantageous situation!" Churchill made a decision.

   "Yes, Your Excellency the Prime Minister." Sir Dudley Pound replied.