"Your Excellency, can we truly rely on the Americans?" King George V inquired. "I cannot help but harbor some concerns." Although he had already decided to flee Britain for Canada, he still had to consider the future. If it were possible, he certainly hoped to return to Britain one day.
"Your Majesty, the Americans are certainly unreliable," Churchill replied. "Our relationship with them is, in truth, one of mutual exploitation. After the fall of the Empire, America became Germany's sole adversary. As long as the Americans do not wish to be overwhelmed by Germany, they must find ways to strengthen their power. America possesses vast lands, a huge population, and enormous industrial output. However, they have considerable shortcomings. The greatest of these lies in the gap between their scientific and technological capabilities and those of Germany. With the Empire's assistance, the Americans could swiftly narrow this gap. Yet, if we are to defeat Germany, relying solely on our own strength is insufficient; we must enlist American support. Thus, we must spare no effort in bolstering America's power."
George V nodded. "So, Prime Minister, after we defeat the Germans, will the British Empire still be able to maintain its position as the world's preeminent power?"
The British Empire had been the world's dominant force for centuries, and if that supremacy were lost from his hands, George V could not fathom how he would justify it to the kings who had dedicated their lives to the rise of the Empire.
"Your Majesty, I fear that maintaining our status as a global power will prove impossible," Churchill answered.
A shadow passed over George V's eyes. Though he had suspected this outcome, hearing Churchill confirm it in such stark terms still stung deeply.
"Your Majesty, this outcome is inevitable. Once the Empire lost this war, our position as the dominant power was no longer tenable. Even if we were to defeat Germany with American help, the new dominant power will be the United States. However, the Empire's situation will improve considerably. Thanks to our agreement with the Americans, we will be able to retain most of our colonies. Crucial territories like India and South Africa will remain under our control. In that case, the Empire will still have the opportunity to rise again. With a stroke of fortune and the right timing, it may not be beyond us to reclaim our position as the world's dominant power in the future."
George V nodded, somewhat reassured by Churchill's explanation. Although the British Empire would inevitably lose its preeminent position, as long as they retained their home territories and most colonies, there remained a chance for revival. Perhaps, in a few decades, they could rise once more.
"Very well, Prime Minister, I fully support the Cabinet's decision. I believe that, for the British Empire, these hardships are temporary. We shall surely overcome this crisis and restore the Empire to its former pinnacle!" George V declared resolutely.
"Your Majesty, I share that belief entirely," Churchill affirmed with equal conviction.
"However, Your Majesty, the infrastructure in Canada is disastrously inadequate. Upon our arrival, we will need to undertake vast construction efforts. Additionally, the army must be armed. All of this will require substantial funds, and we must also prepare for the eventual retaking of our homeland. The taxes in Canada alone will clearly not suffice," Churchill continued.
George V, a shrewd man, instantly grasped Churchill's meaning. The British Empire's finances had already collapsed. To achieve a resurgence, large sums of money were required, and Churchill's true objective was evident—he had set his sights on the royal family's wealth.
After centuries as the world's preeminent power, the British royal family had amassed an extraordinary fortune. They had accumulated over a thousand tons of gold alone, not to mention the vast collection of jewels and other treasures. The total wealth of the royal family likely exceeded billions of pounds.
However, these riches—gold, silver, and jewels—were not easily liquidated and would take time to convert into usable currency. In the dire straits facing the Empire, these assets could not immediately be transformed into weapons or supplies. But if they could escape to Canada, they could gradually liquidate these treasures and use the proceeds to rebuild Canada and arm the remaining forces.
"Prime Minister, the British Empire has reached such a state, and as its king, I have a responsibility to revive it. Upon our arrival in Canada, I can provide the royal family's wealth as an interest-free loan to the government. After we defeat Germany, the royal family can gradually be repaid," George V said.
A donation of such a vast fortune would have been unthinkable, but a loan to the government posed no issue. As long as it was used for the purpose of restoring the British Empire, there would be no opposition.
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Churchill nodded, fully satisfied with the arrangement. With the royal family's considerable wealth supporting them, they would be able to rapidly rebuild Canada's industrial and military might. These resources would become crucial in defeating Germany and restoring the Empire to its former glory.
The royal family held immense wealth, which, for reasons of secrecy, was spread across various locations in Britain. Transporting this wealth to Canada would not be an easy task, especially considering the German navy had nearly completely blockaded Britain.
To facilitate the transfer of these assets, Churchill established a Gold Transport Committee, directly accountable to him. The sole responsibility of this committee was to ensure the safe transport of the royal family's and the British government's wealth to Canada.
The royal fortune was staggering, and the government also held considerable assets, particularly the gold and other precious metals stored in the vaults of various banks. These had to be moved—if they fell into German hands, it would greatly strengthen their position. Defeating Germany would become even more difficult.
Under Churchill's orders, this department quickly mobilized. The army, navy, and intelligence agencies all provided full support. Large quantities of gold and other treasures were moved from secret warehouses to port cities, where they were shipped to Canada via military vessels, submarines, and other ships.