The second meeting between U.S. Secretary of State Bryan and Sir Edward Grey, the British Foreign Secretary, was once again held at night. Beneath the cover of darkness, sensitive and confidential matters could be discussed more freely.
Sir Edward Grey had good reason to keep this clandestine engagement with the Americans under wraps. Both nations sought to avoid alerting Germany to any collusion between them at such a critical juncture. The sale of American warships to Britain had already incensed the Germans, who could barely contain their hostility. Were it not for their imminent campaign against Britain and their dwindling resources, Germany might have declared war on the United States already. As it stood, America had no intention of further provoking Germany, lacking the military strength to confront them directly.
"Mr. Secretary, the President has agreed not to oppose the British government relocating to Canada," Bryan said. "Of course, this is contingent upon the fall of the British mainland. If you manage to hold your territory, the matter becomes irrelevant."
"Of course, Mr. Secretary. We will do everything in our power to defend the homeland. Only under the direst circumstances would we consider fleeing to Canada," Sir Edward Grey replied.
Though the likelihood of the British Isles being reduced to rubble in the coming war was high, abandoning the homeland was not a decision taken lightly. For the British, their native soil was irreplaceable. So long as there remained even the faintest hope of defending it, retreat was unthinkable.
Bryan nodded. "If that's the case, Foreign Secretary, nothing could be better."
"Mr. Secretary, what about the proposal for a joint effort between our two nations to confront Germany? Has the President agreed to it?" Sir Edward Grey asked, steering the conversation to the matter of utmost importance to him.
Though vast in size, Canada's sparse population of a few million made it woefully inadequate to resist a German offensive. For Britain to relocate its government there and mount a defense against German pursuit, American support was indispensable. Without it, Britain's government would barely cling to survival, let alone seek revenge against Germany. A homeland lost meant a Britain consigned to irrelevance, bereft of the strength to reclaim its place on the world stage. The United States was the only viable ally with the capacity to help Britain achieve such an outcome.
"Mr. Foreign Secretary, the President remains hesitant about an alliance with Britain. If the mainland is lost, Britain's strength will be significantly diminished. Aligning with you would yield little benefit while exposing us to considerable risk. From his perspective, the equation seems rather unbalanced," Bryan said.
A flash of indignation crossed Sir Edward Grey's face. That these upstart Americans dared to dismiss the British Empire was nothing short of an affront.
"Mr. Secretary, while the loss of our homeland would undoubtedly weaken us, we are still capable of strengthening the United States. An alliance with Britain would be highly advantageous," Sir Edward Grey insisted.
Bryan nodded. "Indeed, that is also my view, and one shared by our military leaders. Therefore, the President has not outright rejected the idea. However, the military has expressed the hope that Britain will transfer certain technological assets to the United States—specifically, blueprints and designs for aircraft carriers, airplanes, and aviation engines, as well as designs for modern tanks and their engines. These advancements would significantly enhance the combat capabilities of the U.S. military, ensuring a greater chance of repelling German aggression in the future."
Sir Edward Grey froze for a moment, recognizing this as a veiled demand. Without meeting these conditions, the proposed alliance could not proceed.
"Mr. Secretary, these technologies represent the cutting edge of British innovation. We have invested immense resources in their development," Sir Edward Grey said.
"We understand, which is precisely why they are of such interest to us. The stronger America becomes, the better positioned Britain will be to benefit. With these advancements, we stand a much greater chance of defeating Germany and restoring Britain to its homeland," Bryan replied.
After a moment's thought, Sir Edward Grey nodded reluctantly. "Very well, I agree. If the United States is willing to form an alliance with Britain, the British Empire is prepared to share these advanced technologies with America."
"Excellent. I believe this cooperation will truly allow us to complement each other's strengths. The combined power of our two nations will grow exponentially, increasing the likelihood of our victory against Germany," Bryan said with satisfaction.
"Germany is a shared enemy of both our nations. Naturally, we must spare no effort in defeating them," Sir Edward Grey affirmed.
"Sir Edward, the U.S. government has one additional request. Should Britain agree to this, the United States will formally commit to an alliance," Bryan said.
"Please, do tell," Sir Edward Grey replied, adopting a serious tone.
"Mr. Secretary, the U.S. government hopes that the British Empire will agree to transfer its Middle Eastern colonies to the United States. Compared to Britain's vast colonial holdings, America's territories are paltry. Supporting Britain in the war against Germany will exact a significant cost on the United States. Thus, we believe it is only fair that these colonies serve as compensation for our efforts," Bryan explained.
Sir Edward Grey's expression darkened. The British Empire had long regarded its overseas colonies as vital lifelines. For the Americans to covet these possessions was a bitter pill to swallow.
Yet Sir Edward Grey also understood that the United States was determined to claim the Middle Eastern colonies. Refusing this demand could jeopardize the alliance altogether. In exchange for American support, the concession of these territories—relatively insignificant compared to Britain's core holdings—seemed a reasonable price to pay.
"Very well, Mr. Secretary. Once Germany has been defeated, the British Empire commits to transferring its Middle Eastern colonies to the United States," Sir Edward Grey agreed.
"Then we are in accord. I look forward to a fruitful partnership," Bryan said with a smile, extending his hand.
Their hands clasped firmly, sealing the agreement. The United States and Britain had officially formed an alliance.