One billion seventy million dollars, in 1915, was undoubtedly an astronomical sum, exceeding even the annual military budget of the United States. If the U.S. Navy were to acquire such funds, it could construct over forty new capital ships, instantly transforming it into a formidable force capable of rivaling the German Navy. With additional governmental investment, surpassing Germany would be well within reach.
The mere thought of such a windfall leading to explosive growth for the U.S. Navy filled Secretary Daniels with immense satisfaction. As the Secretary of the Navy, he naturally wished for an ever-stronger fleet, ideally to eclipse Germany and establish American maritime supremacy. Though he understood the formidable challenges ahead, he believed that with adequate financial support, all aspirations could easily be realized.
"By the way, Your Excellency, the United States hopes to acquire your nation's technology for the 381mm main guns and the complete steam turbine system," Daniels continued, emphasizing the critical nature of these technologies for the U.S. Navy.
Churchill paused, responding casually, "Certainly, that is not a problem. However, the British Empire has invested considerable resources in developing these technologies. If the United States requires them, we can offer a favorable price for their transfer."
Although these technologies were advanced and should not be shared lightly, the urgency of the situation compelled Churchill to reconsider. He also hoped to leverage these technologies for significant concessions from the Americans, given that over a billion dollars was a staggering sum for Britain to manage.
Yet, Churchill soon realized he had underestimated the Americans' audacity; they intended to acquire these technologies without any payment.
"Ahem! Your Excellency, you misunderstand. The United States expects the British Empire to transfer these technologies free of charge as compensation for the substantial risks we are undertaking!" Daniels asserted.
Churchill felt a flush of indignation; he had not anticipated such brazen demands. He longed to rebuke them, recognizing this as a blatant attempt to exploit their predicament. However, he understood the necessity of suppressing his anger to avoid greater losses.
"Your Excellency, the United States risks offending the Germans by supporting the British Empire. Surely, the Empire would not be so parsimonious as to refuse the transfer of these vital technologies?" Brian interjected.
Churchill grimaced, acutely aware of the significance of these technologies. Yet, faced with the Americans' demands, could he afford to refuse?
"Very well, for the sake of friendship between the British Empire and the United States, we agree to transfer these technologies," Churchill conceded, masking his inner turmoil.
"Excellent, Your Excellency. I believe our friendship will continue to thrive," Brian replied with a smile.
"However, Secretary, the British Empire currently lacks sufficient funds to cover the payment for the warships. Therefore, we hope to secure a loan from the United States to settle this matter," Churchill proposed.
"What? A loan?" Both Brian and Daniels immediately reacted with visible discomfort. They were hesitant to continue extending credit to the British, especially considering the precarious state of the war. Despite having previously offered substantial loans, the likelihood of British victory now seemed grim; further loans would risk being a fruitless venture.
"Your Excellency, perhaps we should reconsider the notion of a loan. The United States is not particularly flush with funds at the moment," Brian remarked lightly.
"Your Excellency, your country could consider other forms of compensation, such as gold or other precious metals," Daniels suggested.
After a moment's hesitation, Churchill replied, "Since the United States cannot extend us a loan, we are left with no alternative. The British Empire hopes to transfer colonies to your nation to settle this debt."
"Transfer colonies?" Brian and Daniels were momentarily stunned.
The Americans had long coveted the vast territories of the British Empire. If feasible, they would have eagerly sought to conquer these colonies themselves. However, recognizing the disparity in military strength, they had resigned themselves to mere envy as the Germans appeared poised to defeat the British and seize these territories.
Now, with the British willing to transfer colonies as repayment, the proposition became quite acceptable for the Americans, who prioritized territorial acquisition over mere financial transactions.
"Your Excellency, if we are discussing colonies, which ones do you propose to transfer? After all, one billion seventy million dollars is a considerable sum. If the colonies are not of sufficient quality, the United States would have little interest," Brian stated.
Most British colonies were indeed valuable, though some were less so.
"Secretary, if your nation agrees, we could offer the Bahamas and Jamaica as colonies to offset this payment," Churchill suggested.
Brian immediately shook his head. "Your Excellency, the Bahamas and Jamaica are not substantial enough to justify such a valuation."
Churchill contemplated this, then proposed, "We could also include Grenada. Together, these three colonies would suffice to cover the payment for the warships."
These three islands, located in the Caribbean, held significant strategic value. For the United States, acquiring them would facilitate further expansion into South America. Should the Germans triumph over the British and occupy these territories, it would pose a direct threat to the American mainland.
However, selling these three colonies for one billion seventy million dollars would still represent an exorbitant price. After all, the British had captured these territories with relative ease.