"Gentlemen, it is premature to consider negotiations with the Germans at this juncture. After all, once we enter into talks, their insatiable greed will likely compel them to demand even greater concessions. Consequently, the very existence of the British Empire could be at stake," Churchill asserted.
The ministers nodded in agreement, acknowledging the truth in Churchill's words. Yet, the thought of allowing the flames of war to engulf the homeland without any response was equally intolerable.
"Lord Churchill, should the Germans land on our shores, what then would be our course of action?" Sir Edward Grey inquired.
"Sir, the Germans will find it no easy task to invade the British Isles. First, they must defeat the Anglo-French forces. Then they must cross the Channel to assault our territory. While the German army is indeed formidable, the combined might of the British and French forces should not be underestimated. We have deployed over a million troops to the continent, and the French army has bolstered its numbers to more than two million. In total, the Anglo-French forces amount to over three million. The German army cannot possibly match such strength. Even with their prowess, defeating us under these circumstances would be exceedingly difficult," Churchill analyzed.
"Lord Haldane, what are the odds of the Anglo-French forces withstanding the German advance?" Prime Minister Asquith asked.
"Prime Minister, the French claim they possess a seventy percent chance of repelling the Germans. However, I believe they are overly optimistic. I would assess our chances at no more than fifty percent. As Lord Churchill has indicated, overcoming us will not be a straightforward endeavor. We have established a formidable defense along the Marne, and our soldiers' caliber far surpasses that of the Russians. Thus, it is entirely possible for us to withstand the German onslaught," Richard Haldane replied.
Asquith nodded, seemingly contemplating the implications of the Anglo-French forces holding firm against the Germans. If they could withstand the attack, perhaps there was no need for the British Empire to seek peace. After all, even a stalemate would yield the most favorable outcome.
"Prime Minister, what if the Anglo-French forces fail to hold the line against the Germans? At that point, the Germans may not even entertain the prospect of negotiations. With every battlefield loss we incur, their stance will grow increasingly obstinate, and their demands will rise," Sir Edward Grey cautioned.
Asquith paused, then nodded in agreement. He recognized the truth in Grey's observation. Should the Germans sense victory within reach, they would disregard any overtures for negotiation. Once they had vanquished the British Empire, they would treat it as mere prey to be taken at will, rendering negotiations unnecessary.
Observing Asquith's inclination toward diplomacy, Churchill pressed on with determination. "Prime Minister, while the Royal Navy may have faltered in this engagement, we are not devoid of opportunities."
All eyes turned to Churchill, for the Royal Navy had always been the cornerstone of the British Empire. If it could achieve victory, the homeland would at least be secure. It was conceivable that, through alternative strategies, they might exhaust the Germans and emerge triumphant. However, given the Royal Navy's recent catastrophic defeat, doubts lingered about their capability to confront the Germans.
"Lord Churchill, do you have any new plans? If the Royal Navy could defeat the Germans, it would be nothing short of a miracle," Asquith remarked, though he shared his skepticism regarding the likelihood of success.
Taking a deep breath, Churchill replied, "Prime Minister, the Royal Navy still possesses seven battleships and one battlecruiser. Though these vessels have sustained significant damage, with Britain's shipbuilding prowess, we can repair them within two months—perhaps even a month if we implement round-the-clock shifts. Once operational, these ships can disperse to strike at the German supply lines, exacting retribution for their transgressions against the British Empire. This would undoubtedly serve to significantly weaken their strength."
Asquith nodded; he understood that Germany's reliance on overseas trade for vital resources made them vulnerable to blockade. Previously, the British had sought to strangle Germany's economy through naval supremacy, yet the Royal Navy had failed to achieve this goal and had instead suffered grievously.
"Yet, would this be sufficient to defeat the Germans? Should they dispatch their fleet against our commerce raiders, we would stand no chance against them. The German navy now holds undeniable superiority," Richard Haldane interjected skeptically.
"Indeed, defeating Germany through such means alone is implausible. Ultimately, it is a strong navy that will determine our victory. The vessels currently under construction require substantial material support. However, the German blockade complicates our ability to complete these ships in a timely manner. Therefore, we must engage the Germans in a naval battle once more. Even if it results in mutual losses, we must break their blockade so that our new ships can be completed and the strength of the Royal Navy restored!" Churchill continued.
"However, the Royal Navy currently lacks the capacity for another decisive confrontation with the Germans," Sir Edward Grey added.
Churchill nodded. "Indeed, the Royal Navy has suffered significant losses. Yet, through alternative strategies, we can restore its strength. With sufficient resolve, we may yet be poised for a second decisive encounter. If fortune favors us, victory could still be within our grasp."