"Mr. Churchill, is it truly feasible to construct these battleships within two years?" Prime Minister Asquith inquired.
"There should be no significant issues. The new 'Iron Duke-class' and 'King George V-class' battleships will be modifications based on the 'Revenge-class.' We will assign these eight battleships to major shipyards for construction, and I anticipate smooth progress. However, the 'Lion-class' battleship poses a slightly greater challenge; not only will we need to build a larger hull, but the development of the 406mm main guns has yet to be completed. Nevertheless, even if difficulties arise, I am confident that our capabilities will enable us to surmount them," Churchill responded.
Asquith nodded, choosing to place his trust in Churchill regarding this matter. In truth, he had no alternative.
"In terms of battlecruisers, we plan to construct a total of ten, divided among three classes: the 'Renown-class,' the 'Glorious-class,' and the 'Hood-class.' Both the 'Renown' and 'Glorious' classes will be equipped with three triple 381mm main guns, displacing over 35,000 tons with a maximum speed of 27 knots and primary armor thickness of approximately 330mm. The 'Hood-class' will exceed 40,000 tons, armed with three triple 406mm main guns, also achieving a maximum speed of 27 knots and a primary armor thickness of 350mm. We will build three vessels from the first two classes and four from the latter, completing this ambitious construction plan within two years," Churchill articulated.
"Twelve battleships, alongside ten battlecruisers, constitute the mightiest fleet of their kind. If these twenty-two vessels are commissioned, the Royal Navy will undoubtedly regain its former glory, enabling us to decisively defeat the Germans," Asquith declared with satisfaction, believing that these ships would restore the Royal Navy's ability to reclaim its position as the world's premier naval power.
"And what of the Germans? Might they also have new construction plans?" Asquith asked. If the Germans were to commence building new warships, it could plunge them into an endless naval arms race, making victory uncertain.
"Your Excellency, our intelligence operatives are diligently probing for information regarding the Germans' new battleships and battlecruisers; however, as of now, we know nothing. It seems that the Germans do not intend to construct additional capital ships beyond those already under construction. I believe this overconfidence stems from their belief that their current ships will suffice to obliterate the British Empire. Even if they were to learn of our naval construction plans and initiate their own, it would already be too late. They cannot match our capability to construct these ships in such a short timeframe," Churchill replied, brimming with pride.
"Excellent! That is truly encouraging news. The Royal Navy may indeed achieve victory," Asquith nodded approvingly.
"Your Excellency, the cost of this new batch of warships will be substantial. Particularly since we must expedite construction, we will need to recruit more skilled workers and implement a three-shift system, which will elevate costs by at least fifty percent compared to other vessels," Churchill expressed his concerns.
"Indeed, this is unavoidable, given the magnitude of the crisis facing the British Empire," Asquith sighed. While the Empire was financially robust, continued wastefulness would not be sustainable for long. However, failing to make a concerted effort could result in the loss of even greater interests. It was a matter of weighing two evils; they had no choice but to invest heavily in constructing more capital ships.
"Your Excellency, if the Royal Navy possesses these vessels, we will undoubtedly be able to defeat the Germans and safeguard the Empire's supremacy," Churchill assured.
"Yes, the British Empire must secure victory; otherwise, we shall all become the Empire's scapegoats!" Asquith declared.
"Mr. Churchill, what is the estimated cost for these twenty-two warships?" Asquith inquired.
"Your Excellency, we have conducted preliminary estimates, and the cost is likely to be around seventy million pounds. Of course, there is a possibility it may rise slightly," Churchill responded.
"Seventy million pounds?" Despite having braced himself for this figure, Asquith couldn't help but wince upon hearing it. The British Empire, while wealthy, was already deeply in debt due to the relentless war and the pre-war arms race. Allocating another seventy million pounds for new warships would further exacerbate their financial woes.
"Yes, Your Excellency," Churchill said, watching Asquith closely, anxious that the high costs might deter him.
"Very well, I will discuss this allocation with the Chancellor of the Exchequer and Parliament. It should not pose too much of a problem. I will offer my full support for the Royal Navy. However, I must insist that the Royal Navy achieve victory in future engagements. Otherwise, all our efforts will be in vain," Asquith stipulated.
"Yes, Your Excellency. We are determined to win this war," Churchill affirmed.
"Your Excellency, His Majesty the King requests your immediate presence at Buckingham Palace," the secretary reported to Asquith.
"Very well, prepare the carriage; I shall depart at once," Asquith instructed.
He then turned to Churchill and said, "His Majesty is likely concerned about the naval situation. I will explain our plans to him. You need not worry; focus on further strengthening the Royal Navy!"
"Yes, Your Excellency," Churchill nodded and took his leave.
Asquith made his way to Buckingham Palace to meet King George V.
Upon seeing Asquith, King George V immediately queried, "Prime Minister, the Royal Navy suffered a significant defeat today, losing ten capital ships. Can it still prevail against the Germans in future battles?"
"Your Majesty, the Royal Navy has indeed suffered a considerable setback. However, we shall not be disheartened, nor shall we surrender to the Germans. The Navy has already submitted a new shipbuilding plan, and within two years, we will have reconstructed a far more formidable fleet. At that time, we will engage the Germans in decisive combat. Victory will certainly be ours," Asquith stated confidently.
Seeing the assurance in Asquith's demeanor eased King George V's concerns.