The American ambassador trembled with rage at von Kidren-Washit's remarks. It was their citizens who had died, their merchant ships that had been seized, yet somehow, they were portrayed as the wrongdoers.
"Minister of Foreign Affairs, your country is engaging in fallacious reasoning. American merchant vessels navigate freely on the high seas. Your unilateral declaration of a no-sail zone is a blatant violation of our right to free navigation. The American government will never recognize your imposed restrictions!" the ambassador exclaimed, fury evident in his voice.
"Ambassador, whether you acknowledge it or not is of little concern to us. Germany recognizes it, and that is sufficient!" von Kidren-Washit retorted arrogantly. Regardless of American recognition, any foreign vessels breaching the no-sail zone would be seized by the German Navy, and that was the German government's stance.
This hardline attitude incensed the American ambassador further, making it clear that the Germans were adopting an unyielding position. Diplomatically persuading them to back down seemed increasingly improbable.
"Ambassador, I must also remind you that significant quantities of war supplies, expressly prohibited from reaching Britain, were discovered aboard your vessels. The Empire could interpret this as your country's support for Britain in its conflict with us. If we choose to pursue this matter further, we may very well designate your nation as an adversary. We hope you will cease such actions; otherwise, the relationship between our two countries will inevitably suffer," von Kidren-Washit added.
"Minister, our merchants are merely conducting legitimate overseas trade. Your country is undermining the freedom of trade!" the American ambassador retorted, now at a loss for words.
"Ambassador, if you insist on quibbling, that is your prerogative. However, let me be perfectly clear: the no-sail zone has been established, and we shall enforce it rigorously until the war concludes. Any challenges to this will be met with resolute force," von Kidren-Washit stated, his demeanor resolute.
"Minister, you are overstepping your bounds. The United States is no weakling; we will not tolerate any infringement upon the interests of the Republic!" the ambassador replied, equally firm.
Given the rigidity of both sides, it was clear that the meeting would end in discord. The Americans would not easily compromise, nor would the Germans rescind their no-sail zone. Unless the war concluded, the restrictions would remain in place, and the German Navy would continue to seize foreign merchant vessels that violated them.
Upon receiving the report from their ambassador in Germany, the American government was enraged.
"Damn those Germans! Do they really think they are invincible?" President Woodrow Wilson fumed. In his eyes, the German actions were an affront to American sovereignty—nothing short of an act of war.
"Mr. President, the Germans are behaving atrociously, and their attitude is utterly unacceptable. The Republic cannot continue to tolerate this. If we do, the Germans will only grow more brazen. Public sentiment at home will turn against us, especially with those Republicans eager to see us ousted!" Secretary of State Bryan asserted.
"Gentlemen, what course of action should we take regarding this incident?" President Wilson inquired.
"Mr. President, we must convey a firm stance to the Germans! They need to understand that the United States will not retreat. They must apologize and release the seized vessels, compensating us for our losses. Otherwise, we will not let this matter rest!" declared Secretary of War Garrison.
"However, might this lead the Germans to mistakenly believe we are preparing to join the Allies? If that provokes them to declare war on us, the consequences could be severe," Vice President Marshall cautioned.
The current situation on the battlefield was unfavorable for the Allies. Even Americans were hesitant to assert that their involvement would reverse the tide of war. Thus, the government was keen to avoid deeper entanglement in the conflict. Of course, if Britain and France could withstand the German onslaught and stabilize their defenses, there was a likelihood that the United States would join their efforts.
"Mr. President, I propose we adopt a firm stance without becoming embroiled in war. Should conflict arise, the American Navy may struggle against the Germans. Our eastern coast would be at risk," Secretary of the Navy Daniels advised.
Although this response was difficult to accept, President Wilson recognized its validity. The United States possessed formidable industrial capabilities, yet its military might was comparatively weak. Moreover, bolstering military strength was not an expedient process; naval vessels often took two to three years to construct. While the Navy had begun building a new fleet, by the time those ships were commissioned, the war might well have concluded.
Nodding, President Wilson understood the necessity of avoiding involvement in the war given their current capabilities, which were insufficient to confront Germany.
"Mr. President, I recommend dispatching a fleet to escort our merchant ships. This would clearly signal our intentions. If the Germans back down, our vessels could ignore their no-sail zone. If they remain obstinate, we will need to reassess our strategy," Secretary Daniels suggested.
"What are the opinions of the others?" President Wilson asked.
"Mr. President, Secretary Daniels' proposal is prudent. This way, we demonstrate our resolve while avoiding direct confrontation with Germany. We would also have an explanation for our citizens," Secretary Bryan added.
His implication was clear: if the Germans continued their hardline stance, they would have no choice but to yield. Domestic public opinion would understand, given the inadequacy of their military forces, providing justification for increasing military expenditures.
The other cabinet members expressed no dissent.
Thus, President Wilson issued orders for the U.S. Navy to deploy a formidable fleet to escort American merchant vessels, thereby articulating the government's stance.