"Gentlemen, considering the Germans' attitude, our continued support for the British and French will surely lead to discontent on their part. This could inevitably result in a rupture of relations between our two nations!" Secretary of State Bryan declared.
"Do the Germans dare to resort to military action against us? Even if their military strength vastly surpasses ours, the Atlantic serves as our most secure barrier. It is unlikely they could reach our eastern shores," President Woodrow Wilson responded.
Indeed, the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans provided a formidable natural defense, ensuring America's security. With no major powers nearby, the United States could easily assert its dominance within the Americas. Even if Germany were strong, any expedition across the ocean would prove nearly impossible, fraught with logistical challenges over thousands of kilometers.
The American cabinet ministers nodded in agreement; this was undoubtedly one of America's significant advantages.
"Mr. President, while the Germans may not pose a threat to our homeland, what if they were to attack our merchant vessels? What then?" Navy Secretary Daniels expressed his concern. Although the U.S. Navy ranked third in the world, trailing only Germany and Britain, it remained significantly inferior to the two naval powers. Despite recent enhancements to the Navy, bolstered by the German threat, such improvements could not be realized overnight; they required gradual accumulation of resources and time. Should Germany attack American merchant ships, the Navy would find itself powerless, lacking the courage to confront the German fleet in the Atlantic, knowing it would lead to certain defeat. At least, Secretary Daniels harbored no confidence in such a scenario.
"Would the Germans truly attack our merchant vessels? We are a neutral nation. Such an act would draw condemnation from around the globe and would only compel us into the arms of the Allies. Surely, the Germans cannot be foolish enough to do so," Vice President Marshall exclaimed. After all, attacking the vessels of a neutral nation would be an act of unmitigated madness.
"For the sake of victory, the Germans are capable of anything," Secretary Daniels replied.
"Have the Germans truly secured an unassailable position in this war? Both Britain and France are among the world's foremost powers; they cannot be so easily vanquished!" President Wilson appeared reluctant to accept this grim conclusion.
"Mr. President, the Germans do indeed hold a significant advantage in this conflict, especially with the turmoil in Russia leading to its withdrawal. This allows Germany to shift its main forces westward to engage the Allied troops. The southern front is now entirely under the control of Austria-Hungary, as Italy's capacity is so weak that even its alignment with the Allies has made little difference. This war has effectively become a contest between Germany and the Anglo-French alliance. Given the current situation, Germany holds the upper hand in this struggle, displaying a military prowess that astonishes all," Secretary of War Garrison asserted.
Indeed, Germany's military performance in this conflict had astonished everyone. It was widely recognized that the German army was the best in the world. Yet, prior to the outbreak of war, no one expected it to triumph on two fronts. The results had opened many eyes. The German army had secured advantages on both the Eastern and Western fronts, notably achieving a stunning victory in the East, where a corps of fewer than two hundred thousand, in conjunction with Austria-Hungary, had decimated two million Russian troops, precipitating Russia's collapse. Such strength was unmatched by any other nation.
As for the German navy, it had also surpassed expectations. Germany's vigorous naval expansion in pursuit of parity with the British Royal Navy was well known. This had propelled the world into a naval arms race, yet many countries considered Germany to be the pursuer. However, since the war's onset, the German navy had successfully pressured the British navy, whose performance had been lamentably poor, as if the Germans were the undisputed masters of the seas.
Whether on land or sea, Germany held the advantage, greatly increasing its chances of victory in future conflicts. Though the war continued, unless a miracle occurred, it seemed that no one could prevent Germany's triumph—even the United States. Even if America were to enter the fray now, it would likely be unable to threaten Germany significantly, perhaps only restraining some of its forces. The Americans were not naïve; they would not entangle themselves in the war at this juncture. If they were to join, they would certainly side with the victors rather than with the vanquished.
"Gentlemen, does the consensus suggest we heed the Germans' counsel and cease our support for the Allies?" President Wilson inquired.
The majority of cabinet ministers nodded in agreement. After all, opposing the victors would be an unwise course of action. Moreover, should the Allies suffer defeat while America continued to provide support, how would they reclaim their investments?
"Gentlemen, my perspective diverges from yours. First, regardless of whether we continue to support the Allies, Germany poses no threat to our homeland!" President Wilson addressed the assembly.
The cabinet ministers nodded in affirmation.
"Secondly, should Germany achieve victory, its strength would exponentially increase. At that point, even if we wish to protect the Americas, it would be exceedingly difficult. Therefore, we must leverage this war to further weaken the Germans. Only in this way can we maintain an equitable stance in future competition with them, if not gain the upper hand. Our involvement in this war is indirect, so even if the Germans harbor resentment towards us, they can do little against us. I believe this represents a prime opportunity. Should we let it slip, such an occasion may never arise again," President Wilson declared.
Though the other cabinet ministers considered the president's stance somewhat reckless, they recognized that his intentions were for the benefit of the United States.
"Thus, we must respond to the Germans that we are not transporting arms and munitions to the Allies. As a neutral nation, the United States retains the right to engage in trade with any country!" President Wilson concluded.