After Germany designated the no-sail zone, a multitude of foreign vessels attempted to breach it for various reasons, with American ships constituting the majority. Countless American merchant vessels and tankers, disregarding Germany's prohibitions, sought to transport urgently needed supplies to the British for substantial profits.
In pursuit of these resources, and more importantly to incite discord between the United States and Germany, the British exerted considerable effort. They offered exorbitant prices, with the cost of a shipment of copper ingots or other non-ferrous metals having risen to three times that of pre-war levels.
This sheer potential for profit led American merchants into a frenzy, willing to risk even their lives for the financial gain.
However, the consequences of such actions meant that the raiding fleet enjoyed considerable success. On the first day of operations, over fifty American merchant ships were seized, and this number swelled to more than eighty by the second day. After three days, the German Navy had forcibly detained two hundred American vessels.
Although the United States was a formidable maritime power, losing such a significant number of merchant ships would undeniably inflict serious pain. Moreover, many Americans resisted German pursuit, resulting in several vessels being sunk during their escape, leading to the deaths of hundreds.
The German Navy's stringent measures undoubtedly shocked the world. Many began to realize that the Germans were not merely posturing. While the lure of profit was enticing, one needed a life to spend it. Otherwise, no amount of wealth would hold any value.
Consequently, numerous merchant ships that had originally planned to breach the no-sail zone were compelled to abandon their intentions. For the sake of their lives, they deemed it wiser to forgo some profit.
"Your Highness, we have essentially managed to control the situation regarding foreign vessels attempting to breach the no-sail zone. Under our vigorous pressure, those scoundrels have fallen into line. However, I would prefer for them to attempt crossing for a few more days; this way, we could capture even more merchant ships. Perhaps we could gather enough vessels for the army's eventual landing on the British Isles," remarked Admiral Tirpitz with a broad smile.
"Oh? Just how many have we captured during this time?" Qin Tian inquired.
If this could lead to the complete strangulation of Britain, it would be most advantageous. Once cut off from overseas trade, how long could the British sustain themselves? Perhaps when the German army landed on the British Isles, it could effortlessly bring about Britain's downfall. The seized American merchant vessels and their cargo would merely be a delightful bonus.
"Your Highness, in just three days, we have detained over two hundred American merchant ships. Including vessels from other nations, the total exceeds two hundred fifty. The value of these ships alone amounts to an astronomical figure. Not to mention, they were carrying numerous supplies that we desperately need," Admiral Tirpitz responded, visibly elated. As per tradition, the seized vessels and their cargo would belong to the Navy after sale, allowing for discretionary spending on improving personnel conditions and constructing additional warships, thereby elevating the German Navy's strength.
"Indeed, the haul is quite impressive. However, having lost so many merchant ships, the Americans are unlikely to let this go without retaliation. The Foreign Minister will undoubtedly have his hands full," Qin Tian remarked with a smile.
"Your Highness, regardless of the outcome, these ships are now in our possession; there is no chance we will return them to the Americans, is there?" Admiral Tirpitz asked, a hint of concern in his tone, fearing a loss of what had been secured.
"Rest assured, Admiral. Having seized these ships, there is no possibility of returning them to the Americans. After all, they were the ones who first violated our prohibitions. Even if they protest, it will merely be a verbal spat. We certainly will not concede this time," Qin Tian stated firmly. The Americans had repeatedly challenged German authority; thus, they must pay the price for their defiance, and the seized merchant vessels were the cost they would incur.
"What if the Americans refuse to accept this?" Admiral Tirpitz queried.
"Admiral, I believe you are hoping for the Americans to join the Allies, aren't you? In that case, it will be the Navy's moment to shine, and we can teach the Americans a thing or two about their place!" Qin Tian asserted.
"Ha ha!" Admiral Tirpitz laughed heartily, having had his thoughts discerned.
In reality, the American government was infuriated by the German Navy's forcible seizure of American merchant vessels. Even with the United States' substantial maritime capabilities, such a sudden loss of ships posed a significant headache. The owners of those vessels were wealthy individuals who banded together to pressure the government, placing immense strain on it.
Moreover, the German Navy's actions not only involved the seizure of American ships but also included the deaths of numerous Americans, making it an issue that the American government could not tolerate. This was an affront and blatant disregard for American sovereignty.
The American ambassador to Germany promptly approached the German Foreign Ministry for an urgent meeting with Foreign Minister von Kiderlen-Waechter to voice American protests.
"Your Excellency, the German Navy brazenly attacked American merchant vessels, resulting in significant casualties among innocent American civilians. Such actions constitute acts of war. The unlawful detention of American ships has caused substantial losses to the United States. The American government demands that the German government immediately cease these actions, issue an apology, and provide compensation!" the ambassador proclaimed, visibly outraged.
In response, von Kiderlen-Waechter displayed an air of nonchalance, seemingly dismissive of the American objections.
"Your Excellency, your merchant vessels ignored the German Empire's prohibitions and attempted to breach our designated no-sail zone to transport contraband war supplies to Britain. Therefore, the Imperial Navy was compelled to seize those vessels. As for the ships that were sunk, we regret the loss. They attempted to flee, leaving the Imperial Navy no choice but to open fire. Thus, all of this resulted from your vessels' initial wrongdoing," von Kiderlen-Waechter firmly shifted the blame, laying all responsibility squarely at the feet of the Americans.