Germany has, for all intents and purposes, risen to a position where it no longer has any rivals in the world. As they begin to consolidate the gains reaped from this war, their strength will only continue to grow. When that time comes, no nation will stand a chance against them," Secretary of State Bryan declared.
Crown Prince Hirohito and Kato Takaaki both nodded in tacit agreement.
The mere thought of the colonies Germany was poised to acquire was enough to make their mouths water. The wealth of the South Seas, along with India and Australia, symbolized immense opportunities. Though India and Australia remained under British control for now, it was apparent to any keen observer that Britain would not be able to withstand a German assault should it come.
If only those colonies could fall into Japan's hands, how transformative that would be! The nation's resource deficiencies would finally be remedied, granting Japan wings to soar toward greatness. While dominating the world might be ambitious, achieving supremacy over the Western Pacific was well within reach. These thoughts left Crown Prince Hirohito's heart bleeding with anguish.
"To counter the might of Germany, we cannot afford to fight in isolation any longer. Such disunity will only see us picked off one by one by the Germans. We must forge an alliance with other nations—a coalition against Germany. Only then will we have a chance at victory!" Bryan continued.
"An Anti-German Alliance? That's an excellent idea," Crown Prince Hirohito said.
Kato Takaaki nodded in agreement.
For Japan and Germany, relations had already deteriorated beyond reconciliation. If Germany continued to grow unchecked, Japan's future would undoubtedly be bleak.
"Mr. Secretary, Germany is too powerful. Even if we unite, defeating them will be immensely challenging. If we are to stand a chance, we must further develop our military capabilities. However, our resources are limited, and without additional support, it will be difficult to challenge Germany," Kato Takaaki remarked.
His words, of course, were a calculated attempt to secure greater assistance from the United States. American loans had already become the primary funding source for Japan's military expansion.
"Foreign Minister Kato, to safeguard global peace and counter the menace of Germany, the United States will undoubtedly continue supporting Japan. Once I return home, I will work diligently to secure a second round of loans for your nation," Bryan assured.
Hirohito and Kato's faces lit up with smiles. With additional American loans, they could build more warships and arm larger forces. This would significantly increase their chances of reclaiming the South Seas, India, and Australia from German hands. If successful, Japan's strength would grow exponentially, even rivaling Germany's dominance.
"With such support, our chances of defeating Germany will increase greatly," Hirohito said with confidence.
In his view, as long as Japan's military strength improved, they could strike when other nations were already embroiled in war with Germany. Exploiting Germany's preoccupation in Europe and the Atlantic, Japan could seize the South Seas, India, and Australia, significantly tipping the scales in their favor.
"In addition to our partnership, we must also join forces with the British Empire," Bryan added.
"The British Empire? Is today's Britain still the empire it once was? Forming an alliance with them seems of limited value," Kato Takaaki frowned.
After all, many of the colonies Japan aimed to claim in the future were currently under British control. Partnering with Britain could complicate the question of territorial ownership after the war.
"The British Empire may have declined, but they still hold significant advantages in many advanced technologies. Therefore, an alliance with them remains essential. Besides, our immediate goal is to defeat Germany. The division of spoils can be addressed after the war," Bryan reasoned.
Bryan was well aware of Japan's concerns—its unbridled desire for Britain's Asian colonies. Bringing Britain into the alliance would undoubtedly provoke dissatisfaction in Japan. Yet, the United States also sought to limit Japan's ambitions in the Western Pacific, as unchecked Japanese expansion would threaten American interests in the region. Thus, a postwar conflict between Japan and Britain over colonies served American interests quite well.
Kato Takaaki nodded, refraining from further comment. For now, the United States was their primary benefactor. Offending them unnecessarily was unwise. In any case, territories seized during the war would never be willingly relinquished.
"Moreover, we should aim to involve more nations in the alliance—such as Austria-Hungary, France, the Kingdom of Italy, the Ottoman Empire, and even Soviet Russia!" Bryan proposed.
Hirohito and Kato were left dumbfounded.
"France and Italy suffered devastating losses in this war. Persuading them to join the Anti-German Alliance should not be too difficult. The Ottoman Empire remained neutral during the war, but if sufficiently incentivized, they could be swayed to join. Austria-Hungary, however, is Germany's ally. How could they possibly join the alliance?" Hirohito questioned.
"Relations between Austria-Hungary and Germany have soured considerably, especially given the hostility of their crown prince toward Germany. Once Emperor Franz Joseph I passes away, the alliance between Austria-Hungary and Germany is bound to dissolve. That will be our opportunity to bring Austria-Hungary into the fold," Bryan explained.
"If so many nations join the Anti-German Alliance, we will surely defeat Germany!" Hirohito exclaimed.
Bryan nodded. "As for Soviet Russia, we'll make efforts to engage with them. However, their cooperation remains uncertain."
The world viewed Soviet Russia with apprehension, as all capitalist nations feared its ideology aimed at toppling their systems and liberating the oppressed. Nevertheless, Bryan believed that shared interests could forge alliances, however unlikely they seemed.