"Excellency, the power of the German Navy is overwhelming," said Ōkuma Shigenobu. "Yatsudate claims that the German Navy could easily obliterate us! They don't even need to send their main forces; any fleet would suffice to defeat us!"
"The Empire's rise has been too swift, and when compared to the old European powers, the gap is insurmountable!" sighed Yamagata Aritomo.
"Since the Germans are so formidable, it seems we must avoid direct confrontation. In such a scenario, it is we who would ultimately suffer," mused Matsukata Masayoshi, his tone heavy with concern.
These elders, who had witnessed the rise of the Empire since the Meiji Restoration, had watched it transform from weakness to strength, and naturally hoped for its continued prosperity.
"And what of the Army's stance?" inquired Yamagata.
"The Army is resolute; they do not wish to relinquish those colonies," Ōkuma Shigenobu responded. "The Minister of War believes the Empire is too distant from Germany. Even if the Germans wish to invade, they would likely rely on their navy. The Army can hold its ground—though the German warships are formidable, they cannot truly threaten us."
"Indeed! The Germans cannot send substantial ground forces to attack us. Furthermore, the Imperial Army is no small force. If the Germans only send a limited army, we will certainly defeat them and claim victory. At that point, they will find themselves trapped. Therefore, the Germans will likely only rely on their navy for the attack!" smiled Ōyama Iwao.
Clearly, the army's elders were not willing to spit out the prize that was already within their grasp.
"Then, does the Cabinet insist on maintaining control of Germany's colonies?" Ōkuma Shigenobu asked.
"Since the Germans are powerless against us, we can certainly hold onto those colonies!" replied Yamagata.
"Gentlemen, I believe we need not fall out with the Germans; we could even secure more benefits," interjected Saionji Kinmochi, who had remained silent until now.
"Saionji-san, what do you propose?" asked Yamagata.
"I suggest we return Germany's colonies, offer an apology, and secure their understanding," Saionji said.
"What?" Everyone gasped in disbelief, unable to fathom that Saionji would suggest such a course of action. Such a proposal seemed a grave affront to the nation's dignity! The Japanese, once so humbled, had grown proud with their newfound strength. To apologize and admit fault was unthinkable to them!
"Saionji-san, what exactly do you mean?" Yamagata asked, his voice tinged with confusion, for he believed Saionji was no fool and would not propose such an idea without reason.
"Yamagata-san, offending Germany and risking an uncertain war with them would only result in the acquisition of barren islands. That is hardly worth the cost," Saionji Kinmochi said with a smile.
Yamagata and the others furrowed their brows. While the German colonies were islands, they were not impoverished—merely undeveloped. With the right investments, these islands could yield great wealth. For Japan, this was a tremendous opportunity.
"So, Saionji-san, what would be a worthwhile course of action?" Yamagata asked patiently.
"Quite simply, we restore relations with Germany, join the Central Powers, and declare war on the Entente! By doing so, the British colonies will be open to us! Britain's Malaya, Myanmar, Australia, and even India—each of these is far more valuable than Germany's colonies in the Pacific! The British Empire is in decline and facing the risk of collapse under German pressure. Their forces are spread thin across their colonies and cannot withstand the might of the Imperial warriors. In time, we will effortlessly seize their rich colonies," Saionji Kinmochi proposed.
Instantly, all the elders, including Prime Minister Ōkuma Shigenobu, were struck dumb. They had not anticipated such an audacious plan. Yet, they could not help but admit that Saionji's suggestion was highly tempting. If Germany's colonies were worth risking war, then the British colonies would be more than enough to stake the entire Empire on. Should Japan succeed, Britain's vast colonies would lay the foundation for the nation's rise to global prominence.
"Can we really seize Britain's colonies?" Yamagata Aritomo trembled slightly, his voice wavering. He reached for his teacup, trying to steady his nerves, but found himself unable to lift it.
The other elders, including Ōkuma Shigenobu, were similarly rattled. They understood the immense importance of Britain's colonies. If Japan were to seize them, it would mark the beginning of a true ascendancy.
"Of course we can! The British are no longer the world's hegemon. They no longer have the right to control so many colonies. We can easily take their place and seize those colonies!" Saionji Kinmochi declared firmly.
"But will the Germans agree? They are on the brink of defeating the British, and those colonies will soon be theirs," questioned Matsukata.
"Never mind that Britain hasn't yet been defeated. Even if they are, the British will not surrender their colonies to Germany without a fight. The Germans will have to advance step by step to take those colonies. It will be especially difficult with the distant Southeast Asian colonies. The most prosperous colony, India, we can leave to the Germans. Moreover, if we restore relations with Germany and join the Central Powers, we'll be aiding their fight against Britain. If Germany isn't foolish, they will accept Japan's goodwill," Saionji Kinmochi asserted, as though everything was already in his control.
"Bravo! Saionji-san is truly the pillar of the nation! This plan is nothing short of brilliant!" Yamagata Aritomo praised with shining eyes.