Churchill had evidently anticipated Bryan's refusal and was not disheartened. He understood that any nation faced with such a request would inevitably decline. However, he was confident in his ability to persuade the Americans.
"Your Excellency, I acknowledge that this request may appear somewhat abrupt. Yet, I implore you to believe that it would entail no loss for the United States. On the contrary, it would yield substantial benefits," Churchill earnestly stated.
"Minister, if we were to sell warships to you, wouldn't that provoke the Germans? What if they used this as a pretext to declare war on us?" Minister Daniels replied.
Churchill chuckled lightly before responding, "Minister, the Germans have neither the capability nor the intent to wage war against the United States. Even if they were to emerge victorious in this conflict, they would not dare to confront America. The vast Atlantic Ocean makes it exceedingly difficult for German military forces to project power across to your shores. Furthermore, the United States stands as a formidable nation—its population and industrial strength rank among the highest globally. Under such circumstances, any German aggression towards America would be futile."
Both Bryan and Daniels nodded in reluctant agreement. Indeed, while the U.S. military might not rival Germany's, the potential mobilization of tens of millions of Americans to form a substantial fighting force was entirely feasible. The Atlantic's separation would prevent Germany from fully deploying its military might to North America, thereby significantly enhancing America's odds.
"Given this, why should the United States not sell those warships to us? Such a transaction would bring considerable financial gain, which could be reinvested into your naval capabilities, fortifying your defenses against the German threat. This scenario is undoubtedly advantageous for America. Moreover, if we acquire those ships, the British Empire will possess the strength to continue the fight against Germany. Should we succeed in overcoming them, your security would be assured. Even if we ultimately fail, we would still manage to deplete German resources, thus rendering them incapable of posing a threat to the U.S. This is a win-win proposition for you," Churchill urged persuasively.
Both Bryan and Daniels had to concede that Churchill's arguments were indeed compelling. The ambition of the U.S. Navy to expand its might could not rely solely on congressional appropriations, especially in light of the formidable German fleet. If they could secure funding from the British, it would greatly facilitate the construction of more powerful vessels.
Moreover, the longer the war persisted, the better it would serve U.S. interests, allowing them to witness Germany deplete its national resources. The more Germany expended its strength, the safer America would be. From this perspective, selling those capital ships to Britain to combat Germany seemed an astute strategic move.
"Minister, even if we were to sell you all twelve of our capital ships, do you truly believe you could best the Germans?" Daniels queried, recognizing the significant disparity in strength after Britain's recent losses.
"Minister, we still have eight capital ships at our disposal. Should we acquire twelve from your country, our fleet would total twenty. Additionally, our French allies possess ten capital ships, and the Kingdom of Italy has six. Altogether, our numbers would not fall short of Germany's!" Churchill asserted.
Realization dawned on Bryan and Daniels; despite their recent catastrophic defeats, the British had not surrendered. They intended to rally the full strength of the Allies to confront Germany. This display of resolve earned the respect of both men, who recognized a fighting spirit in the British that was lacking in their own country. If America possessed such tenacity, it might have already ascended to military prominence.
"Yet, even if you muster thirty-six capital ships, it remains doubtful you could overcome the Germans. Their naval power is overwhelming!" Daniels challenged.
Churchill nodded. "Indeed, Minister. Even with an equal number of capital ships, defeating the Germans would be a formidable challenge. However, we will not surrender due to the odds. For the British Empire, the gravest threat posed by Germany lies in their blockade. If we can dismantle that blockade, the Empire will retain sufficient strength to continue fighting. Our newly constructed capital ships could be completed in a remarkably short time, allowing us to confront them without fear. Thus, our aim in reorganizing a formidable fleet is not necessarily to vanquish the Germans outright; even a mutually destructive engagement would ultimately favor us. Therefore, I beseech you, assist us!"
To achieve his ends, Churchill humbled himself, lowering his esteemed stature before these Americans—a stark contrast to the typical air of superiority he and his compatriots maintained. Though he felt a deep sense of indignation, the necessity of ensuring victory for the British Empire against Germany compelled him to act thus. If the Empire could secure its core interests, all he sacrificed would be justified. The pursuit of honor was a mere abstraction that could be reclaimed in due time.
In response to Churchill's demeanor, Bryan and Daniels felt a mixture of astonishment and quiet satisfaction. They recognized the potential advantages for America in selling these warships to Britain.
"Minister, I must consult with the President before I can provide a definitive answer," Bryan stated.
"Very well, Your Excellency," Churchill replied, a flicker of hope igniting within him at Bryan's demeanor.