"Are the British truly looking to purchase our warships? The twelve active capital ships, no less?" President Woodrow Wilson was momentarily taken aback by the British request, clearly caught off guard.
"Yes, Mr. President. The British have formally expressed their desire to acquire our twelve active capital ships," Secretary of State Bryan stated.
"What on earth are the British up to? This demand seems utterly absurd!" President Wilson shook his head in disbelief, unable to comprehend the British rationale.
"Mr. President, the British are desperate after suffering significant losses in their naval engagements with the Germans. They currently possess only eight capital ships and are compelled to seek our assistance," Minister Daniels explained.
At this, President Wilson raised an eyebrow, sensing that Daniels was leaning toward acquiescing to the British request, which surprised him greatly.
"Is it possible, Daniels, that you agree to sell those capital ships to the British? If we do, we will be left relying solely on our aging pre-dreadnoughts to protect our coastline," President Wilson remarked.
"Yes, Mr. President. Initially, I was opposed to selling our capital ships, particularly since our navy is not in a strong position. However, Churchill's arguments have swayed me. I now find myself inclined to support this sale," Minister Daniels replied.
"Oh? How did Churchill persuade you?"
"Mr. President, first and foremost, we are a neutral nation. Selling warships to the British may anger the Germans, but they would have no recourse against us. Germany is currently embroiled in a war, and defeating the British and French is their primary objective. They would not launch an attack on us at this juncture. Even after the war, it is unlikely they would turn their aggression toward us. The vast Atlantic Ocean is not easily traversed. Germany's formidable military forces cannot be rapidly deployed to the western shores of the Atlantic. Moreover, the Republic of America has never been a weak nation. Although our navy may not currently rival Germany's, they would find it impossible to invade our homeland and achieve victory."
President Wilson nodded, recognizing the soundness of this reasoning.
"Secondly, selling these warships to the British would yield significant funds. Constructing new battleships requires substantial investment, and acquiring a financial boon from the British would alleviate our fiscal pressures. This capital would enable us to build more capital ships, enhancing our ability to contend with Germany in the future.
Lastly, the British have demonstrated their determination to engage the Germans in decisive battle once more. This is highly advantageous for the Republic of America. Once we sell the capital ships to the British, they will collaborate with the French and Italians to confront Germany. Should the Allies emerge victorious, the German threat to us would be entirely nullified. Even if they do not succeed, the cost of such a decisive engagement will surely inflict considerable losses on Germany. A weakened Germany would pose minimal threat to us. If the German navy suffers heavy losses in this conflict, their blockade of Britain will collapse, allowing the British to utilize overseas resources to further enhance their strength. Thus, the war may continue."
Minister Daniels elucidated Churchill's perspective, augmenting it with his own insights for President Wilson.
After listening, President Wilson did not immediately declare his position but instead contemplated the matter. Indeed, selling capital ships to the British appeared overwhelmingly beneficial for the United States.
"Secretary of State, what is your perspective on this?" President Wilson inquired.
"Mr. President, considering the myriad advantages of selling warships to the British, and given that the Germans are unable to retaliate, it is only prudent that we proceed with the sale. Let the British continue their struggle against Germany; the longer they fight, the better for us. Ideally, they will devastate the entire old continent, facilitating the rise of the Republic of America, which will be unstoppable," Bryan replied with a smile.
President Wilson nodded in agreement. "Indeed, the continuation of this war is exceedingly favorable for the Republic of America. Let us allow the conflict to persist!"
"Very well, Mr. President," Bryan and Minister Daniels replied in unison.
"In our negotiations with the British, we should aim to elevate the asking price. After all, the British have ruled the world for many years and amassed considerable wealth. This is undoubtedly a prime opportunity for us," President Wilson asserted.
"Mr. President, I propose that we ask fifty million dollars for each capital ship sold to the British. Armored cruisers could command twenty million dollars, light cruisers ten million dollars, and destroyers three million dollars. I am confident the British will not refuse such an offer!" Minister Daniels said with a grin. He was not about to let this opportunity slip away; with his metaphorical knife raised high, he was ready to strike a decisive blow to the British. This was a one-time transaction, and maximizing the price was essential.
"Hmm, excellent. I am very pleased with this pricing," President Wilson chuckled. This price was already five to six times their construction costs. If they could sell the ships at this rate, the funds for constructing new naval vessels would be secured.
"Additionally, the British possess superior technology in 15-inch guns and steam turbines. Given that we are providing them with these warships in such a critical moment, it is only natural that the British grant us the transfer of these technologies at no cost," Minister Daniels continued.
The American navy still lagged behind Germany and Britain in terms of large-caliber artillery and power systems. Securing these key technologies from the British would remedy these deficiencies, further enhancing the strength of the American navy.
President Wilson wholeheartedly supported this initiative.