**Chapter 394: Interception**
The naval confrontation between the two contemporary powerhouses, Germany and the United States, in the Atlantic harbored a significant potential for war. This undeniably drew the world's gaze, transforming the conflict between the Allies and the Central Powers into a contest for global supremacy. Germany had initially established a favorable position in this struggle.
However, the unexpected signs of American involvement cast a shadow of uncertainty over the conflict. While Germany had gained the upper hand against Britain and France, the entry of the United States could jeopardize this advantage, making its sustainability questionable.
It was evident to astute observers that the Americans, unless utterly irrational, would not involve themselves in the conflict at this critical juncture. The formidable strength displayed by Germany suggested that even with the U.S. entering the fray, victory over Germany would be a formidable challenge. At least in the short term, Germany would likely maintain its dominance. By the time American industrial power was fully converted into military might, Britain and France might find themselves unable to withstand the pressure. When that moment arrived, even an all-out assault from the U.S. might fail to overcome Germany's might.
The Atlantic, serving as both a natural barrier and a constraint on American expansion, complicated any military endeavors beyond its shores, which required crossing the vast ocean. Without a robust navy to support such operations, this ambition remained unfeasible.
Though the American navy was indeed powerful and held great future potential, it still lagged considerably behind the already ascendant German fleet. This disparity compelled the American government to adopt a cautious approach.
In February, the Atlantic was cold, the waters frigid. A German submarine prowled the central expanse of the ocean. Despite the limited range of the German U-boats, a substantial fleet of supply ships enabled them to extend their operational reach into the Atlantic and even toward the U.S. East Coast. Yet, with no war declared, German submarines primarily operated in the Eastern Atlantic, particularly near British waters, where they had sunk countless British merchant vessels over the past months.
"Sir, we have yet to make any discoveries. What on earth are those higher-ups thinking, sending us out here to search for the American fleet? The Atlantic is vast; how can we possibly know which route the Americans will take?" a crewman remarked to Lieutenant Commander Donitz.
"Perhaps the Americans have been so frightened they retreated! After all, we are deploying our main forces!"
"Enough idle chatter. Since orders have been given, do we have any choice but to comply? Are you suggesting we disobey? Finding the American fleet would still be a considerable achievement for us," Donitz responded.
Although he acknowledged that searching for the American fleet in the Atlantic was akin to finding a needle in a haystack, he understood that locating them was a prerequisite for any interception. Thus, the German Navy had dispatched numerous submarines and light warships deep into the Atlantic for this purpose.
Donitz and his submarine maintained surface navigation to preserve high speeds and cover greater areas. Perhaps fortune favored Lieutenant Commander Donitz this time, as their luck proved to be fortuitous.
On the afternoon of February 27, Donitz's submarine detected the American fleet in the central Atlantic.
"My God! Have the Americans sent out their entire arsenal?" Donitz exclaimed upon seeing the vast armada in the distance.
"I wonder if the Americans truly intend to confront the Empire. However, if they dare engage, the Imperial Navy could easily annihilate them!"
Donitz nodded, recognizing that while the American fleet was formidable, it was vastly inferior to the Imperial Navy.
"Immediately send a telegram to the flagship—we have sighted the Americans," Donitz ordered.
The submarine quickly reported the sighting of the American fleet to the flagship, the battlecruiser *Mackensen*. Vice Admiral Spee commanded them to maintain surveillance on the American vessels while mobilizing the fleet toward their position.
Though the submarine's speed was not rapid, as long as the American fleet continued to cruise at a low pace, they could keep up with them. Unfortunately, after a day of tracking, Donitz and his crew were discovered. The American Navy dispatched several destroyers to drive them away. Reluctantly, Donitz ordered the submarine to dive for cover. When they resurfaced, the American fleet had vanished from sight.
However, with the American fleet's presence now revealed, the possibility of concealing their location had diminished significantly.
On March 1, a German submarine once again detected the American fleet. By this time, the American ships were not far from the British mainland.
"General, we have located the Americans, approximately six hundred kilometers off the west coast of Ireland. At their current speed, they are expected to reach our designated no-sail zone by tomorrow," a staff officer reported to Vice Admiral Spee.
"Order the fleet to proceed at full speed; we must intercept the Americans," Spee commanded.
"Yes, General. However, time is of the essence, and we may be too late."
"Which warship is closest to the Americans?" Spee inquired.
"The light cruiser *Konigsberg*."
"Send the *Konigsberg* immediately to engage the Americans and buy us as much time as possible," Spee ordered.
"Yes, General."
Yet, attempting to ensnare a fleet of twelve battleships with a light cruiser displacing just over five thousand tons was an exceedingly daunting task. Nevertheless, there was no other option; they could not allow the American fleet to breach the no-sail zone simply because the main fleet could not arrive in time.
Receiving the order, the *Konigsberg* swiftly set course for the designated area.