"Our current environment is very bad. If we take action against Spain, will Japan take advantage of the situation in Hawaii?" Simpson looked at Roosevelt anxiously. Japan in this plane is different from history. At this time, the Japanese navy's strength was far stronger than history. In 1898, four 10,000-ton warships could be taken out, with the main fleet speed of more than 19 knots. It steadily suppressed the US cruise fleet.

"The Far East is not only Japan, but also Spain. Spain sent their two most elite armored cruisers, the USS Cologne and Madrid, to the Far East. There is still a possibility of increasing troops in the future. They seemed to have noticed our plan, so they gave up the West Indies, which is very close to us. And focusing their main force in the Philippines, Dewey's fleet seemed unable to face such a powerful opponent, especially when there was a potential opponent." Simpson thought for a while and added.

"It seems that we need to change the deployment of our fleet. Spain dispersed their fleets to strengthen the defense of the Far East, and we must also make changes to strengthen the Far East fleet, at least to defeat Spain and shock the Japanese." Roosevelt thought for a while and said.

"Then this scale is probably quite large, and we do not have a suitable port in the Far East, and we can only maintain a small fleet in Samoyed. The Far East fleet uses Hong Kong as its home port for the vast majority of the time. If we mobilize more main ships, logistics supply and support may be a problem." Simpson raised his own concerns.

"But this is a must, isn't it?" Roosevelt said, shaking his head. "Because it is a must, we have no choice. Since that's the case, let's work hard to do it. Obtaining the West Indies is just one of our secondary goals. Compared with Cuba, the Philippines is more important. It is our springboard for entering the Far East and our guarantee for entering the Qing market."

"The two armored cruisers Brooklyn and New York are going, and there are also two Columbia-class defensive cruisers. Although their firepower is very poor, their endurance is extremely strong. The fuel they carry is enough for combat use, which can greatly reduce the logistics pressure. In addition, Dewey's flagship Olympia, we have 5 warships above 5,000 tons."

"But this is not enough. We should send another battleship. The brand-new Iowa battleship is good. It is the most elite battleship in our fleet and has a high speed. Although the maximum speed of 17 knots is a little slower than the cruiser, it is barely enough." Roosevelt thought for a while and added.

"This change is a bit big. If the six large warships rely on the British supply, it will probably be difficult. In addition, other warships, it may take more than 10,000 tons of coal to fill the coal bins of all warships! Moreover, these coals must be high-quality coal, otherwise coal ash during wartime will be a very troublesome thing." Simpson's face changed slightly.

"I'm scared by this? If the number of battleships in our hands was not too small, I would like to send another two more. Now the six battleships can only balance the power at most, and we are slightly disadvantageous. After we fight with the Spanish fleet, the gap with the Japanese fleet may be even greater, so I suggest adding two more 4,000-ton protective cruisers." Roosevelt said with a smile.

"This logistical pressure is too great, and it is difficult for us to do even if the British help us. I don't agree with this plan." If Simpson was just hesitant at first, and when Roosevelt proposed a plan to further expand the Far East Fleet, he was obviously opposed.

"If we can't even maintain this power in the Far East, then don't talk about occupying the Philippines. You don't think that our enemy in the Far East has only one Spain, right?" Roosevelt sneered. "Let the Philadelphia and San Francisco. These two 4,000-ton cruisers have 12 6-inch guns. Although the protection is a little poor, the firepower is also fierce. In this way, we have 8 warships over 4,000-ton in the Far East. If we are lucky, we can shock Japan."

"Is this what you mean?" Simpson asked.

"It should be said that it is our meaning, me and the people behind me, organizations, etc. The war breaks out, and the earlier the better, the better. The longer the time goes on, the lower our chances of victory. The Spanish also began to expand their troops," said Roosevelt.

"So do you think the Japanese dare to do it?" Simpson said with some concern.

"I don't think they dare. We have a good relationship with the British. From historical experience, the Japanese intimidation is useful to weak countries. We have won several confrontations in Hawaii. And now Japan and Russia have become enemies. Russia has France and Germany behind it. The Japanese should not have trouble at this time." Roosevelt pondered for a moment and said carefully.

"I always feel that what you are saying is the truth," said Lieutenant General Simpson. "If you think Japan dares not take action, you will not make such a major adjustment to the Navy. In fact, you are ready for battle, aren't you?"

"If I were really ready for battle, I would concentrate my fleet in Hawaii, and then wait until we resolve the West Indies problem before rushing to the Far East!" Roosevelt's expression changed slightly.

"But in the Far East cannot support all our fleets. We don't even know how long it takes for a battleship formation to sail from the East Coast to the Far East. I think our only chance of winning is to create a certain fact. When we declare war on Spain and occupy the Philippines immediately, it is best to start this war before the two Japanese warships return!" Simpson said.

"This is impossible. It's too hasty. It was the first time in the first half of 1898. The Iowa had just entered service. Including the crew's familiarity with the battleships to form combat power, and then deployed to the Far East, it will take at least half a year to consider other preparations and unification with the Congress' opinions. Time is very tight." Roosevelt shook his head and said. "Look at the attitude of the British first. If Britain is willing to restrict Japan, we can avoid this conflict."

"I can only do this first. I hope the British can see the situation clearly." Simpson sighed. "In addition, it is said that when you come back, what did the Bavarian prince say to you?"

"That's right, he said, sooner or later we will regret it because of helping Japan buy a boat. I regret it now. Who would have thought that the two sides would have clashed in Hawaii this year! I just hope this thing that makes me regret ends here." Roosevelt sighed and said.
Chapter completed!