The final agreement saw Comrade Joseph successfully persuading the Germans to assist us in building a fleet of battleships. From the data, these ships will undoubtedly be the most formidable battleships in the world. Let Comrade Joseph explain further!" said Ulyanov.
"Very well, Comrade Chairman!" Joseph nodded in agreement.
"Comrades, I had the privilege of attending the German military parade and naval review, which gave me a glimpse of the world's most powerful army. I must admit, the German Army and Navy are, in practice, the strongest. The army is a force to be reckoned with, but it is the German Navy's advanced capital ships that deliver an undeniable shock. The German Navy possesses the most powerful fleet of capital ships in the world. Even after selling 18 battleships, their remaining 16 are still the mightiest. By comparison, our navy seems vastly inferior. In fact, we no longer have the capability to build capital ships," Joseph continued.
"Though we are currently on good terms with Germany, everyone knows that sooner or later, war between our two nations is inevitable. Germany will never tolerate a powerful nation at their doorstep. And if we are to liberate the world, imperialist nations like Germany must be defeated. However, our military strength is inherently weaker than Germany's. Thus, we must seek alternatives. The German shipbuilding industry is concentrated along the Baltic Sea. If we could establish a strong navy in the Baltic, we could pose a tremendous threat to the Germans. We could even strike their coastal industries when war breaks out, crippling their production. This would significantly aid us in defeating them," Joseph elaborated.
"Comrade Joseph, you are simplifying the matter. Do you honestly think the Germans will assist us in building battleships? They will undoubtedly make a large profit off us. Furthermore, even with a few battleships, it does not change the fact that our navy is still vastly weaker than Germany's. Compared to the Germans, our navy poses no real threat to them. In fact, should war break out, we might well be obliterated by the Germans. Instead of wasting precious resources building a navy, we should focus on strengthening our army. Only with a powerful army can we withstand a German assault, and even defeat them!" Trotsky countered.
"Comrade Trotsky, I do not deny that even with a few powerful battleships, we cannot match the German navy. However, we do not need to confront them head-on. The German navy is required to be deployed globally to protect their overseas interests, and they cannot afford to concentrate many resources in the Baltic. Furthermore, their other enemies are equally formidable. Hence, we will still hold an advantage in the Baltic," Joseph responded.
"That is but your opinion. I do not believe the Germans will truly help us build powerful capital ships," Trotsky persisted, unwilling to yield on the matter.
"This is a promise made directly by the German Emperor. Surely, a guarantee from the German Emperor cannot be wrong. If his word is not to be trusted, then what credibility does Germany have left?" Joseph remarked.
"The battleships the Germans will build for us will displace over 45,000 tons, equipped with three triple-mounted 410mm main guns, with a maximum speed of 24 knots. Their main armor thickness will exceed 400mm. If such a battleship cannot be considered the most powerful in the world, then what ship could possibly be called the strongest?" Joseph continued.
"Very well, this issue is settled. It is crucial that we possess a powerful navy. Let us have the Germans build us four battleships!" Ulyanov decisively concluded.
"Yes, Mr. Chairman," Joseph and the others replied.
Though Trotsky was reluctant, he refrained from further protest. Once Ulyanov had made a decision, opposing him would only invite disfavor. Trotsky had no intention of angering Ulyanov at this critical juncture.
After the formal discussions, Ulyanov turned his gaze to Joseph.
Joseph rose and addressed the group: "Comrades, I formally submit to the Politburo my resignation from the position of People's Commissar for Foreign Affairs, and request approval for the same!"
Apart from Joseph and Ulyanov, everyone else was taken aback. Clearly, no one had expected Joseph to make such a decision.
Trotsky was even more stunned, unable to comprehend why Joseph had made such a choice.
"If no one objects, we shall approve Comrade Joseph's resignation. For the position of People's Commissar for Foreign Affairs, I propose Comrade Chicherin. Does anyone have any objections?" Ulyanov inquired.
Chicherin, who had previously served as Deputy People's Commissar for Foreign Affairs, was Ulyanov's own nominee, and no one voiced any opposition.
"Furthermore, the plan to build battleships for the navy was proposed by Comrade Joseph. Therefore, I intend to place this project under his responsibility. Any objections?" Ulyanov continued.
Although Trotsky believed that, as Chairman of the Revolutionary Military Committee and People's Commissar for Army and Navy, it should fall to him to oversee the project, he did not wish to be involved and offered no objection.
"In that case, let Comrade Joseph assume the role of Commissar of the Navy. This will also help relieve some of Comrade Trotsky's pressure!" Ulyanov added.
"Mr. Chairman, my duties are not overwhelming, and I can continue with my work as Commissar of the Navy," Trotsky hastily responded.
At this moment, Trotsky finally understood Ulyanov and Joseph's intentions, but it was too late to object.
"Comrade Trotsky's spirit is admirable, but I still believe that Comrade Trotsky should not overwork himself!" Ulyanov emphasized.
Trotsky, seeing the situation, reluctantly capitulated. Ulyanov had made his point clear, and further refusal would only lead to a rift. Trotsky did not wish to create an enemy at this time, for Ulyanov's authority was unmatched. He would have to endure for now, as after Ulyanov's passing, no one could curb his ambitions. Therefore, he must bide his time.