Chapter 0087: Britain Will Not Lose

"Gentlemen, the British Empire now stands at the precipice of existential crisis. Our primary adversary, Germany, has achieved a comprehensive naval advantage over the Royal Navy. This poses a lethal threat to us. We must implement viable measures to assist the Royal Navy in reversing this dire situation. Should war erupt, and the Royal Navy fail to vanquish the German fleet, it would spell disaster for the British Empire!" Sir Bannerman addressed all members of the cabinet.

The expressions of the ministers were equally grave as they had received pertinent information regarding the crisis facing the Royal Navy. They recognized that Sir Bannerman was not exaggerating. The challenge posed by the German Navy was indeed unprecedented.

"How could the Germans advance their navy so rapidly? It's as if they have made a monumental leap forward. Previously, during the pre-dreadnought era, they had been persistently suppressed by us," remarked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Asquith, his countenance reflecting his concern. He understood that, under these circumstances, it was inevitable to allocate additional funds to the navy to facilitate the construction of more warships, ensuring that the Royal Navy maintained its competitive edge. However, the financial pressures facing Britain were also significant, and providing more military funding would inevitably exacerbate the fiscal deficit.

"None can say for certain. Yet, those German capital ships nearing completion are undeniable. Faced with the Germans' relentless pressure, we have no alternative. We must commence the construction of more capital ships to counter their challenge," Sir John Fisher asserted.

"Gentlemen, do any of you dissent from Sir Fisher's proposal?" Sir Bannerman inquired, surveying the ministers.

On this matter, no dissenting voices emerged. After all, it concerned the survival of the British Empire. The navy was the foundation of the Empire; without a formidable navy, its collapse would be imminent. Therefore, even if it meant sacrificing all resources, they had to ensure naval superiority. This was a matter of principle, one that could not tolerate any misstep.

"Very well. Since there are no objections, let the Treasury prepare a special allocation for the navy," Sir Bannerman decreed.

"Understood, Prime Minister. However, how do we proceed with Parliament?" Asquith asked.

Britain, being a constitutional monarchy, bestowed considerable power upon the Prime Minister, yet his authority was not unfettered. Many decisions required parliamentary oversight, particularly regarding fiscal allocations.

"I shall communicate with Parliament. I am confident that in this moment of life and death for the Empire, no one will hinder our efforts," Sir Bannerman assured.

He then turned to Sir John Fisher. "Sir Fisher, the cabinet will fully support the navy financially. However, the Royal Navy must ensure its superiority over the Germans. Only then will our interests remain intact."

"Rest assured, Prime Minister, the navy has a concrete plan in place. I will instruct the shipyards to expedite the construction of the Bellerophon-class battleships and the Invincible-class battlecruisers. Additionally, work on the St. Vincent-class battleships and the Indefatigable-class battlecruisers will commence promptly to ensure we maintain our lead in the dreadnought race," Sir Fisher replied.

"Sir Fisher, will constructing these vessels guarantee the Royal Navy's superiority? According to our naval construction plans, even with these ships completed, we will have merely thirteen. Meanwhile, the Germans are on the verge of completing seven new battleships. I suspect they have many more new designs under construction," Sir Edward Grey, the Foreign Secretary, interjected.

It was clear to all that a single class of battleship would not suffice. Given that the German battleships were nearing completion, it was certain that they were also preparing to launch even more advanced designs.

"Sir Grey raises a valid point. As is customary, this is indeed a concern. We suspect that the Germans are advancing with their more modern designs, which is something we must be wary of. The Royal Navy's new battleships are currently in the design phase but have encountered technical bottlenecks. Our development of the 13-inch guns has not progressed smoothly, delaying the construction," Sir Fisher explained.

The British Navy has traditionally prioritized speed and firepower, often overlooking defensive capabilities. The most effective way to enhance firepower was undoubtedly through the adoption of larger-caliber guns. After integrating the new 305 mm guns into their dreadnoughts, the Royal Navy began researching even larger calibers. However, the development of large-caliber guns was fraught with challenges, and to date, the Royal Navy had yet to achieve success with their new 343 mm guns.

"Could the Germans surpass us in this regard?" Sir Bannerman expressed his concern.

"The likelihood is slim, but not impossible. The Germans' artillery technology is not inferior to ours. If they invest heavily in development, they might very well produce larger-caliber guns ahead of us," Sir Fisher replied.

"Regardless, the Royal Navy cannot afford to fall behind the Germans any longer. Sir Fisher, you must find a way to ensure the Royal Navy's advantage!" Sir Bannerman insisted, focusing solely on results rather than the processes involved.

"Certainly, Prime Minister. We will expedite the development of the large-caliber guns. Additionally, before these guns are operational, we shall construct one or two more classes of battleships to guarantee our absolute numerical superiority," Sir John Fisher responded.

As Britain need not invest heavily in a formidable land army, it allowed them to concentrate financial resources on the navy. With the cabinet's backing, the Royal Navy would not be lacking in shipbuilding funds. They simply needed to place orders with the shipyards according to their construction plans. Soon, one new battleship after another would join the Royal Navy, restoring its competitive advantage.

Sir Bannerman and the others firmly believed that in the naval arms race, the Royal Navy would inevitably prevail.