"We must first know where the core of the future maritime interests of the Empire is. I personally think that the scope of the sea area that the Empire can control is nothing more than the current surrounding waters near the African colonies and the northern Indian Ocean region that we can fight for. In addition, the Imperial Navy will not be able to deploy decisive forces in the sea areas outside this in the next 20 years, the Empire's future Africa and the Middle East, rather than the Far East and America!" After the prince finished speaking, the entire venue was silent. This was so shocking that it was simply a strategic re-examination of Germany's overseas policies.

"Our Far East failure has clearly shown a problem that the empire is weak and powerless in the Pacific. We do not have enough funds and colonies to establish a naval base system that continues from the homeland to Samoa. Therefore, it is impossible to fight for actual control in the far Far East. We cannot fight against the British Far East Fleet in the Far East, and we cannot fight against the victors after the Russo-Japanese War. They have geographical advantages, which cannot be changed."

"In the same way, it is unrealistic to expand to South America. Faced with the increasingly strong United States, even if the United Kingdom chooses to act cautiously, we can do business with countries in South America, but it may be very difficult to expand our influence, and military existence is even more undesirable."

"Of course, the empire needs to expand, need resources from overseas activities, and markets, so we must re-find the benefits that we can win or take away. The whole world is closer to us, and we have the ability to control only some parts of Africa and the Ottoman Empire! The empire's future naval construction and expansion should revolve around these two places, and the fleet will also be used to deal with potential opponents in these places!"

"In Europe, we will definitely not be able to suppress the current Britain, so the conflict with Britain should be avoided as much as possible, but at the same time, it must be able to suppress France! Similar to the principle of the formation of battleship fleets, our cruiser formation also takes France as the imaginary enemy."

"At present, our main force is 6 Munich-type armored cruisers. The French are currently in service with 6 armored cruisers on the ship platform, with tonnages ranging from 4,800 tons to 6,000 tons. In addition, there are 3 to 4 protective cruisers. Although their combat effectiveness is poor, their total tonnage is similar to our cruiser fleet. Let's consider that we have a slight advantage."

"But according to internal information, in the future, especially around 1898, the French are likely to vigorously expand their armored cruiser fleet, and almost all new warships are about 10,000 tons. The specific number may not be clear, but the number of warships started before 1900 will not be less than 8! This is a very dangerous signal. Our cruiser fleet must be able to deal with this challenge!"

(In history, there were as many as 11 armored cruisers started in France from 1896 to 1900, of which three were more than 7,500 tons. The rest were warships worth more than 10,000 tons. However, considering the length of construction of the French Navy, these warships were completed between 1902 and 1904.)

"It is said that the Navy intends to sell two Munich-class armored cruisers to the Qing Dynasty after the new ship is completed. If this news is true, then the number of our Munich-class armored cruisers will drop to 4. To compete with the French fleet, in accordance with the principle of leniently predicting the enemy, the French should have about 4 warships to serve or be close to service before 1900. (Ruprecht is nonsense.) Then the number of large armored cruisers we will add should not be less than this number. From now on Dong'a before 1901, we will have to serve at least four large armored cruisers!"

"I think you should be very clear about the data of the new Mainz-class armored cruiser, with a displacement of 14,000 tons, 8 inches of hardened armor, 8 254mml40 artillery pieces, and a maximum speed of more than 21 knots. These battleships and four Munich-class armored cruisers are enough to deal with the French fleet in this time. And relying on strong firepower, these battleships can also join the battle line."

"The first ship of Mainz should also start construction before the end of this year. One ship was started in 1897 and two ships were started in 1898. In this way, three main ships were started every year from 1897 to 1898. This can ensure the number of warships available in 1900. As for the situation of the warships in 1899, it depends on the international environment and our needs at that time."

"That is, by 1901, we will have 6 to 8 battleships, 4 10,000-ton armored cruisers and 4 7,500-ton armored cruisers. This fleet is enough for us to maintain our maritime power in the Eurasian continent second only to Britain. We have an advantage over France and can suppress the Russian Baltic fleet."

Prince Ruprecht's plan was basically completed, with about 8 battleships and 8 cruisers. This combination is called the "Eight Eight" fleet! The significance of this fleet is to form an advantage over other single-country navals in areas where Germany can reach the projection force. (Except Britain) allows Germany to avoid insufficient naval forces when facing a single power.

"Baopao." After Ruprecht finished speaking, the venue fell into a quiet state. After waiting for about a few minutes, applause came from the chief, and the German Emperor took the lead in expressing his support! Since His Majesty the Emperor had made his statement, then all this was not a problem. The plan agreed by the Prussian chief and the Bavarian representatives meant that the entire empire had passed, whether it was the Federal Parliament or the Imperial Parliament, the final passage was just a process issue. Invisibly, Prince Ruprecht had planned the core of the German Navy's first military expansion case!

Whether it is William II, the founding party of the Navy or Bismarck, the conservative party, the construction plan is acceptable. In 5 years, 8 to 10 main battleships were added, 2 of which were used to replace them. The supplementary strength was still acceptable. Ruprecht was also very satisfied because this force was no less than the German Navy in history, or even slightly stronger. In history, the German Navy completed the battleships before 1900, and there were even fewer 10,000-ton armored cruisers.

Although it is stronger, it will not have a great impact on Germany's diplomatic environment in general. On the one hand, this is because the Fleet Act did not appear. Sometimes it is two concepts. You said that in order to balance France within 5 years, the British could tolerate it, but when you build 8 battleships and say that you want to build a huge fleet of more than 20 battleships, the British will definitely have ideas!

In other words, a good dog does not bark, and a dog does not bite! Sometimes people who are incompetent will be jealous of others, but those who keep low profile and secretly accumulate energy will not attract the attention of outsiders. Just know your own strength, don’t yell everywhere.
Chapter completed!