Chapter 240 Are You Here Again?
"You are smarter, stronger and more decisive than you were more than a year ago. You are more like a ruler now. On behalf of the United States of America and I personally express my most sincere greetings and blessings to you." When Prince Ruprecht met Roosevelt again, the latter's low-key and respectful attitude surprised the prince. How could the US president, who spoke softly in history, become like this? Was he really defeated this blow?
Of course not! Roosevelt is a strong and fierce person. This setback may be great for him, but he definitely cannot defeat him! But the current situation requires him to make some low gestures, that's all!
"Just a little setback, no country will reach the peak of power, and the British have lost to the Dutch. This loss in the United States is nothing." The prince said with a smile.
"I have always had a doubt. Did you know that Japan had ideas about the Philippines at the beginning?" Roosevelt was not someone who could tolerate it. After simple politeness, he asked out his doubts.
"There is such speculation, but there is a lack of evidence. But one thing is certain that Japan regards the entire Far East as its own range of strength. They are very dishonest. When they reach a certain level, even Britain cannot control them. Once they defeat Russia, the entire Far East will be a powerful country. By then, no one can enter the Far East." The prince replied.
"So don't your country want to take some action? Your country also has interests in the Far East." Roosevelt said in surprise.
"Our interests are only business, and more are businesses that Japan cannot provide now, such as chemical products, dyes and arms, etc. These things do not compete with Japan. The future of the empire is in Europe and Africa, and we will not seek more colonies in the Far East. It is too far away from us, and it is a bit beyond reach." The prince replied with a smile.
"I was surprised by your choice. Your statement is inconsistent with what your country does. If it is just business, then everything your country did in the Sino-Japanese War of 1894 is difficult to explain. This is already a game between military and political fields." Roosevelt's face was full of doubt.
"I don't deny that after the outbreak of the Battle of Toshima, there were indeed people in China who wanted to take the opportunity to expand their influence in the Far East, but the result was clear. The British simply had a non-cooperation attitude that would make Germany's plan in the Far East stranded. Since this is the case, when the input and output are not proportional, they will naturally give up. Now I can tell you that we have made a lot of money, both in the Blue Legion and other businesses. And the main income has flowed into the pockets of the Kingdom of Bavaria, not the Empire." The prince said.
"Your last sentence made me believe that you are right. You are an excellent businessman. Only money and power will make you serious." Roosevelt sighed and said. The prince's briefing was basically consistent with the intelligence he obtained. The Blue Legion was just an experimental operation in Bavaria. The German government did not participate much. The Kingdom of Bavaria was for money. This means that Germany's strategic transformation to the Far East is true. Since that is the case, there will be less competition between the United States and Germany. This is a good thing for the United States.
"Then let us work together to have a better future for the virtues. This time I came with sincerity. We need the help of your country, and we can also pay enough price for this help! Two Munich-class armored cruisers, 1.5 million pounds! The faster the better!" Roosevelt said the real purpose of this trip, and said nothing else, buy a warship!
The price is actually very good. The two Munich-class armored cruisers behind are not worth 750,000 pounds per ship. The Americans offered a higher price than the new ship. This price is simply irresistible to the German Navy from an economic perspective.
"Your country doesn't have to worry about political matters. We have contacted a South American country to avoid the so-called neutral clauses. What Britain and Japan can do, we can do, right?" Roosevelt continued.
"This is not a problem, I will help as much as possible." The prince nodded and continued, "In addition, it is impossible for you to find me to simply buy a warship, right?"
"This, my official business part has actually ended now, but if His Highness has time, I hope to hear your opinion on the current situation. What should we do?" Roosevelt already considered his attitude of seeking advice.
"It's hard, really hard. But if I were your side, the first thing I had to do was to hire neutral ships to withdraw the US military officers and soldiers who had landed in southern India. Do these things before the Japanese Navy completes the blockade. Then mobilize the fleet and contact Russia at the same time to see how much price Russia is willing to pay for this matter!"
"In addition, I need to remind you that your country's territory in Samoa may not be protected. The Japanese's cruelty is beyond your imagination." said His Highness.
With a click, the cup in Roosevelt's hand fell to the ground. He looked at the other party with an incredible look. "Are the Japanese crazy? They want to..."
"The two sides are already dying, so why should we consider so much? For Japan, completely blocking the United States' path into the Far East is the most critical. Once Samoa enters the Japanese's control, it is equivalent to completely closing the door. If that is the case, why don't they do this? Will they avoid hostility with your country if they don't occupy it?" His Highness asked with a smile.
"The most important thing is that your country has no way to protect American Samoa now, and once Japan takes over, you will not be able to retake Samoa for a long time! Do you think? If there is no external help, this will be a dead end. I am right?" the prince said with a smile.
"This...If the Japanese really have this plan, then this is true." Roosevelt said, wiping the cold sweat on his head.
"But your country should not want to see such an ending, right? Your country stands with us in this war, and is vindictive to the Japanese. After the war, they may be detrimental to your country. If the United States is excluded from the Far East, no one can help your country. The Russians are out of reach, and France and Britain will not do anything." Roosevelt thought for a while and said.
Chapter completed!