**Chapter 398: War of Words**
"General, what should we do now? The German main fleet is approaching, and the cruiser that damaged us has already retreated," a staff officer reported anxiously.
"Damn it! We demand that the Germans surrender the cruiser that deliberately rammed us. Their actions are a blatant provocation against the Republic of America. The captain of that cruiser must be handed over for our judgment!" Admiral Fletcher commanded, his face dark with fury.
The damage to the flagship was a slap in the face for both the U.S. Navy and the government. If they failed to respond, where would they save face?
"Yes, sir." The staff officer nodded and immediately set off to send a telegram. However, he did not expect the Germans to comply. The audacity they displayed by directly ramming their flagship was evident of their arrogance.
Yet, with Fletcher's orders given, he could only comply.
Aboard the flagship of the German Navy's breaking blockade fleet, the battleship *Mackensen*, Vice Admiral Scheer was in high spirits. Although the fleets were still at a standoff, it was clear that the German Navy held the advantage.
"Admiral, Vice Admiral Erich Raeder requests to return. The damage inflicted on their ship during the ramming of the American flagship was considerable, and they need to return for repairs," a staff officer reported.
"Very well, permit their return. Additionally, send a destroyer to accompany them," Scheer ordered, knowing this would help prevent any American mischief.
"Yes, Admiral."
"Admiral, the Americans are claiming that our cruiser *Königsberg* struck their flagship without provocation and are demanding an apology, as well as the surrender of *Königsberg* and Captain Raeder for their disposal!" the communications officer informed Scheer.
"Absurd! Tell the Americans that their attempt to breach our no-sail zone is the real provocation against the German Empire. The actions of *Königsberg* were in defense of German interests, and we will absolutely not surrender *Königsberg* or Captain Raeder to them," Scheer replied resolutely.
"Yes, Admiral." The communications officer promptly dispatched the telegram.
The German Navy's firm response left Fletcher seething with rage. Yet, aside from a few curses to vent his frustration, he had no other course of action. They were clearly at a disadvantage, and any extreme measures could escalate tensions, potentially leading to conflict—something the Americans were keen to avoid.
The fleets remained a few dozen kilometers apart, engaging in a war of words via telegram, each side trading accusations. Yet, both sides strictly restrained their forces to prevent provocative actions that might spark a conflict. Clearly, neither the Americans nor the Germans wished for the situation to further escalate, despite their respective standings.
The news of the *Königsberg*'s collision with the American flagship *Nevada* reached Germany promptly.
"Ha! Well done. Your Excellency, Vice Admiral Erich Raeder is truly a remarkable talent! I believe his actions deserve recognition. I propose we reward him and promote him to a more significant position!" Qin Tian exclaimed, laughing heartily.
Qin Tian was well aware of who Erich Raeder was; he had been the Grand Admiral of the Third Reich's Navy, commanding it for fifteen years post-World War I. In another timeline, the Third Reich's naval power was meager compared to its army and air force, resulting in few notable victories. However, in this timeline, Raeder's talents shone brightly. Such an asset, Qin Tian would certainly wish to utilize.
"Indeed, Your Excellency. Vice Admiral Raeder is indeed a rare talent. He has already led *Königsberg* back home. Upon his return, the Navy Ministry will commend him and promote his rank," Marshal Tirpitz confirmed.
"What is the current situation? Are the Americans still confronting us?" Qin Tian inquired.
"The Americans have not retreated and seem unwilling to back down."
"Hmph! They are merely putting on a show. If they truly intend to launch an attack, they likely lack the courage to do so," Qin Tian scoffed, unimpressed by the Americans' actions.
"However, Your Excellency, the American government will surely protest once more. The Foreign Minister will certainly be busy," Marshal Tirpitz remarked.
"Ha! This war must provide the Foreign Ministry with some work to do; otherwise, they'd be far too idle! As for the Americans' protests, we need not concern ourselves. If protests had any effectiveness, there would be far fewer disputes," Qin Tian replied with a laugh.
The so-called protests were merely a facade of indignation stemming from their inferiority. Wasn't that the case for the later generations of China? After being bullied, they would always protest, though it seemed to have little effect. Others continued to bully them. Thus, only by strengthening one's own power could one prevent others from doing so—that is the hard truth. The weak protests should be kept to a minimum!
Indeed, the United States soon lodged a serious protest with the German government regarding the intentional ramming of their flagship by the German Navy. The U.S. Ambassador to Germany repeatedly questioned the Imperial Foreign Minister von Kidler-Wahter. Secretary of State Bryan summoned the German Ambassador to the U.S. multiple times to express the U.S. government's stance.
However, these protests proved entirely ineffective. The two sides continued their mutual accusations, engaged in a fruitless war of words, with little real impact.
Naturally, the U.S. government was furious about the damage to the *Nevada*. Upon learning the news, President Woodrow Wilson shattered his favorite coffee cup. To him, the actions of the American fleet had been merely for show, a means to placate the domestic public. If the Germans had cooperated, the matter could have been smoothed over. Instead, the Germans not only refused to comply but also retaliated with the utmost severity. This left President Wilson feeling as if he had received a sharp slap to the face.