Churchill's British destroyer arrived at the Norfolk Naval Base on the evening of March 25. Upon entering, the ship was immediately directed into a dock, where it was thoroughly concealed.
The Americans were keen to prevent the Germans from discovering the arrival of the British warship at such a critical juncture. The potential ramifications of such knowledge were too unpredictable. The United States had resolved to refrain from provoking Germany, and thus needed to exercise even greater caution.
Upon his arrival, Churchill was promptly taken by U.S. security personnel to a secret location, where he would be met by Secretary of State Bryan and Secretary of the Navy Daniels. Although matters of foreign affairs typically fell under the purview of the Secretary of State, President Woodrow Wilson had arranged for Secretary Daniels to join the meeting, given Churchill's position as the British Minister of the Navy.
Initially, the American side had intended to allow Churchill some rest before the meeting was scheduled for the next day. However, Churchill insisted on an immediate discussion, and the Americans acquiesced to his request.
That very evening, Churchill met with Secretary of State Bryan and Secretary of the Navy Daniels in a private room of a hotel in Washington.
After some cordial exchanges, the conversation gradually shifted to the main topic at hand.
"Minister, your presence in America at this time certainly comes as a surprise. What brings you here?" Bryan inquired directly.
"Secretary, the Royal Navy was decisively defeated by the German Navy a few days ago, suffering significant losses. In light of this, we can no longer compete with Germany," Churchill replied, his expression one of deep disappointment.
"Minister, we extend our sincere sympathy for your nation's plight. However, the United States is a neutral country, and we must steadfastly maintain our neutrality during this conflict. This position will not change," Bryan firmly interrupted, preempting any further invitations for the U.S. to join the war. In the face of the Allies' imminent defeat, it would be foolish for the U.S. to engage.
Previously, the British had solicited American involvement in the war, but at that time, the U.S. believed the situation remained ambiguous and declined. Now, with the circumstances clearly defined and the Allies evidently at a disadvantage—perhaps even facing impending defeat—there was no chance that the Americans would align themselves with the faltering Allies.
Upon hearing Bryan's response, Churchill could only manage a wry smile. The Americans' stance was unmistakably clear: they believed that Britain was destined to lose the war and were reluctant to entangle themselves further with the British.
To Churchill, America seemed merely a nouveau riche, emboldened by its newfound wealth. If the British Empire had still been formidable, the Americans would never have dared adopt such an attitude. However, the current state of the British Empire lacked the strength to instill fear in the Americans, leaving Churchill with a profound sense of melancholy.
"Secretary, I have indeed come to America seeking assistance. However, we will not pressure the United States to join the Allied war effort. Naturally, if America were willing to fight alongside us against the malevolent Germans, that would be the best outcome," Churchill stated.
"Minister, it is impossible for us to engage in the Allied war effort. How might Britain expect our assistance?" Bryan responded.
"The British Empire wishes to procure a number of warships from your nation," Churchill declared.
"Procure warships?" Both Bryan and Daniels were taken aback. When had the British Empire reached a point of needing to purchase warships, especially from a country they had long regarded with disdain? Yet, upon recalling the recent devastating losses the British had incurred in the naval conflict, everything became clear.
"How many warships does your nation intend to order, Minister? The shipbuilding industry of the United States is among the best in the world. Once an order is placed, we can guarantee rapid construction," Daniels said with palpable excitement.
Bryan nodded in agreement, recognizing the immense profitability of arms trading. They had previously watched the British profit handsomely in the arms market while receiving no orders of their own. Now, it seemed the British were turning to them. If the U.S. could construct warships for Britain, it would significantly enhance American shipbuilding capabilities and serve as an advertisement for U.S. arms on the global stage.
However, Churchill shook his head, leaving Bryan and Daniels puzzled about Britain's true intentions.
"Secretary, Minister, the British Empire wishes to purchase your nation's twelve active battleships!" Churchill proclaimed.
"What?" Both Bryan and Daniels were left speechless, unable to comprehend the request. The American Navy had only these twelve battleships; the rest of their vessels were merely outdated pre-dreadnoughts, which had long proven inferior to modern dreadnoughts in combat. Selling all twelve battleships to Britain would effectively leave the U.S. Navy depleted, jeopardizing the security of the nation.
While American shipyards were in the midst of constructing a new fleet of battleships, such endeavors required considerable time. By selling their warships to Britain, the U.S. would be left without naval protection for an extended period, an utterly unacceptable scenario.
"Minister, I regret to inform you that we cannot fulfill your request. The United States requires a strong navy to safeguard our interests. Should we sell our warships to you, the security of the United States would be compromised. Therefore, we must decline your request," Bryan asserted, refusing without hesitation.
What a ludicrous notion! Although the U.S. Navy was not particularly strong, how could they possibly part with their battleships? The British were utterly fanciful in their demands.