"1 billion pounds! You can buy the entire Africa! Will the wealth accumulated by our ancestors from generation to generation be ruined in the hands of our generation?"

George V counted with his fingers. He had only been in the throne for four years. He was confident that the British Empire would continue to stand tall under his rule in the world. But now, the country is in the most dangerous period in hundreds of years. The maritime hegemony that once proudly made the people have disappeared. At this time, the British Empire was more like an isolated island surrounded by dark sharks. Looking around, there were German warships flying with the black eagle cross naval flags.

"But your Majesty, we need a fleet of sufficient strength to attack the German Atlantic raid fleet to maintain our precarious maritime transportation. Otherwise, hundreds of thousands of soldiers from various colonies would not be transported in, and the food and ammunition provided by millions of local troops would not be transported in. At critical moments, we would not even be able to transfer the royal family, government and a large amount of wealth. With this fleet, we could also attack their landing fleets when the German army attacked our landing troops, or cut off the support of their landing troops and nipped the Germans on our coast, so that we would be qualified to negotiate with the German Emperor!"

Prime Minister Lloyd suggested on the side, and many cabinet ministers expressed their approval. After repeated defeats, the king had no plans to reorganize the cabinet, but the situation in the UK did not turn around, and these ministers had no good life.

"At present, our government has few working capital, so you might as well consider the proposal made by the Americans to use Jamaica to pay 800 million pounds and Trinidad and Tobago to pay 200 million pounds." The speaker was the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

"Those colonies are priceless for our British Empire!" Some ministers held objections, believing that funds could be accumulated slowly, but colonies were not available at will, especially when major powers were fighting for colonies in a white-hot manner, land needed a large number of soldiers to exchange for blood.

"The local area is almost impossible to save. What's the use of those colonies?" Lloyd seemed to be determined to want that fleet.

George V waved his hand impatiently, and the ministers always had their own opinions. Every time the imperial meeting was in front of the emperor, they were noisy and clamoring like the vegetable market, and then everyone calmed down.

"If we really exchange those two American colonies for what the Americans call a fleet of 6 fearless battleships, 12 armored battleships, 12 cruisers, 21 destroyers, 15 submarines and 40 transport ships, how long does this fleet take to form our combat effectiveness, and how much chance of winning against the German Navy is there?"

Ministers, look at me, I look at you. This question should be more appropriate. However, Lord Fisher is still in Plymouth Harbor, so everyone focused their attention on the several admirals present.

"Your Majesty, according to our navy's experience, if skilled sailors receive this fleet, it only takes 3 months to form combat effectiveness; if sailors lack naval experience are re-recruiting sailors who lack naval experience, it takes more than 12 months! After officers and sailors are familiar with the performance of the ship, it is no problem for this fleet to eliminate the German Atlantic raid fleet. Coupled with our newly developed hydrophones and deep-water bombs, we can completely break through the blockade of German submarines, but this fleet does not yet have the ability to confront the main force of the German high seas fleet, especially when the German aircraft carrier is present." An elderly lieutenant general answered on behalf of the Navy.

"German aircraft carrier..." George V became more and more dizzy when he heard this word, and the other cabinet ministers present seemed to feel the same.

"I have to remind you that according to our Navy's speculation, several of our warships captured by the German Navy in the North Sea Navy have been repaired and joined the combat sequence of the German Navy. In addition to some other repaired German warships, the strength of the German Navy is increasing." The lieutenant general's kind reminder made everyone even more frustrated.

"It is said that the 12 armored battleships that the Americans were about to sell to us were all from the Great White fleet that traveled the world seven years ago. The US Navy was trying to eliminate them. Even with the best British sailors, I still doubt how powerful this fleet can be. More importantly, based on the cost of our own shipbuilding over the years, it only takes 50 million pounds to build such a fleet!"

The ministers who were opposed to the opinions turned their gaze to those naval generals.

The lieutenant general spoke on behalf of the navy. "Indeed, the warships quoted by the Americans were surprisingly high. The 12 armored battleships in that fleet were all warships that participated in the Dabai Fleet's global navigation. Their single-ship capabilities were simply impossible to compete with the German dauntless battleships. However, the other six dauntless ships were still very strong, including the 10 12-inch main guns launched in recent years, the Florida-class with a displacement of 21,000 tons, and the Wyoming-class battleships with a displacement of 26,000 tons. Other cruisers and destroyers were also launched in the past 10 years. It is worth mentioning that the total tonnage and strength of the US Navy is second only to Germany in the world. They currently have nearly 30 battleships and a large number of cruisers. Destroyers and shipbuilding strength cannot be underestimated."

"At present, most of our large and medium-sized shipyards have been damaged by air strikes and artillery bombardment by the German Navy. Only two of the 10 Elizabeth-class battleships under construction survived. Even if they can be completed and put into service, it will take one to two years. Now, our annual shipbuilding volume has dropped to one-fifth of the pre-war period, and the remaining are mainly small civilian shipyards. Warships are almost a priceless thing for us! In August, we launched a total of 100,000 tons of warships, 60,000 tons in September, and only 20,000 tons in October! If this situation continues, we may have to spend 10 years building such a fleet, if the Germans are willing to give us so much time!"

Everyone was silent, the situation in Britain had really reached a very bad point.

"Don't forget that our two most powerful allies, Russia and France, one has already stood in the German camp, and the other is preparing to surrender to the Germans. Germany will soon concentrate its efforts against us! Either strengthen the military strength of our country at all costs, or accept the German conditions, demolish large and medium-sized shipyards, and order warships and cargo ships from Germany in the future. The price is decided by the Germans, and perhaps their quotations will be more ruthless than those of the Americans! We do not have cash, and we still have to keep our national strength in gold. I think it is better to exchange colonies and Americans for warships and other strategic materials!"

The Chancellor of the Exchequer seemed to have never given up until he betrayed his ancestors' real estate, but after he finished explaining, more and more ministers who opposed the purchase of American warships began to shake.

"Okay! Now, with the premise of exchanging colonies for American warships, let's discuss the specific implementation details of this matter!" George V supported his head with his right hand, and his head was so heavy that it seemed that he could no longer lift it.

"Since Churchill is in Washington, we can fully appoint him to negotiate with the Americans and fight for as much benefit as possible for our country. Moreover, he is from the Navy and just goes to inspect the situation of those American warships. Once the transaction conditions of the two sides are negotiated, Churchill should also actively lobby the US lawmakers and strive to get the US Congress to approve the transaction as soon as possible!"

At this time, the ministers finally regarded Churchill as an important figure. When the British fleet failed, these people impeached Churchill, who was then the Minister of Navy, was very active.

"I think Jamaica is enough to be worth 1 billion pounds, which is a land rich in mineral resources!" The Minister of Trade and Industry seems to have a lot of research on the value of each colony.

"If we must exchange warships with Trinidad and Tobago, I think the United States should also send a batch of military supplies. Our army is still short of 400,000 rifles, 2,000 machine guns, 1,000 cannons, 100 million bullets, 1 million shells and a large amount of steel. The Americans would better provide us with 1,000 aircraft and car engines, and help us transport a large amount of fuel in." Army Secretary Kitchener, who had not spoken, finally seized the opportunity to join in and wanted to get a share.

"We can also use the American technology and industrial power to cooperate with them to create weapons that can effectively deal with German aircraft and armored vehicles. In addition, those ships must be equipped with weapons to deal with German submarines before they are sold to us!"

Everyone started to discuss it clamoringly, and George V seemed to be in the familiar vegetable market again. Until nightfall, these people discussed a purchase list, and Churchill would also negotiate with the Americans based on this list.

George V felt dizzy. At this time, the British Empire was like a pig lying on the chopping board, and the United States was a butcher who sharpened his knife. Before killing the pig, the butcher explained the benefits of being killed to the pig like a priest, and the pig was still eager to be killed. This world is so strange.

After finally ending the meeting, Fisher's emergency telegram was handed to the king. He rubbed his temples in great pain. If the British and French fleets fought in a mess in the British harbor, the Germans would probably laugh when they sleep, but if they did not stop the French fleet from leaving, the French warships would come back sooner or later to pour shells on the British land. George V considered it carefully. After all, this happened at the critical moment of the armistice negotiation between Germany and France, and any order could lead to serious consequences.

When George V's telegram reached Plymouth Harbor, Fisher was watching the fireworks in the harbor in a daze. It was hard to tell who fired the first shot first. In short, after the French destroyer exploded, the battle began between a British battleship carrying commandos and the French battleship they were trying to occupy. The initial sound of rifles falling, and machine guns and machine guns quickly joined the battle situation. At this time, the tense strings in the hearts of the sailors of the two countries were suddenly broken, and then many warships congested in the port began to fight.

At a distance of hundreds or even dozens of meters, the main guns and torpedoes of the warships of the two countries had no room for performance. Sub-air guns and machine guns of all sizes became the protagonists of the battle. One by one, one or a string of red highlights intersected between the warships. These shells and bullets did not have a fatal threat to large warships, but the constant flashing of fire on each warship still worried Fisher. The warships of both countries had lost their queues and battle positions. Under the dazzling artillery fire and searchlights, warships kept touching, and metal collisions and friction made such a harsh and heart-wrenching sound. As the warships on both sides were mixed together, the cannons in the British fortress of the port could only be anxious. Countless columns of searchlights swept back and forth again and again, and the soldiers who fell into the water swam desperately to a safer place. The water surface of the port boiled under the stirring of various things.

Fisher glanced at the king's telegram and held it helplessly in his hand.

The telegram reads: Before the French government announces surrender, the problems of the French fleet should be resolved peacefully. If the French ships fire first, they will fight back with all their might!

"Communication officer, send a report to the king that the French fleet forced its way out of port, not only knocking down several patrol boats in my country, but also fired at our warships first. Our fleet fought back out of self-defense! Please let the Chinese government announce this news to the public as soon as possible!" Although the reason was far-fetched, Fisher had to file a lawsuit first.

"yes!"

"Also, order our warships to retreat and shoot at the French with fortress cannons and torpedoes!" Fisher closed his eyes and listened quietly to the symphony in the harbor. From tomorrow onwards, Britain will fight alone, and the so-called Allies will no longer exist.

At a high altitude near the port of Plymouth, two German airships silently stared at the noisy harbor as spectators. At present, the aircraft's ceiling does not reach their height, so the crew of German airships can continue this leisure for a long time.

When the information about the fierce conflict between the British and French fleets reached Falkenhein and Chentian, they were at a grand dinner held by the 3rd Army. Not only were senior generals who came to participate in the German-French negotiations, but many meritorious soldiers of the 3rd Army were also fortunate to attend. So everyone at the dinner wore medals symbolizing merit and honor without exception, and the scene was very spectacular.

"The faces of the French negotiator tomorrow must be very interesting!" Chen Tian raised the wine glass in his hand, "We should have a drink for the friendship between Britain and France!"

"Yes, cheers for the indestructible friendship between Britain and France!" The German generals raised their wine glasses with a smile.
Chapter completed!