Chapter 0688: The Ambition of the Americans

"Mr. President, we need the blueprints and technical specifications for British aircraft carriers and airplanes, along with all related technological data. Furthermore, the documentation on aviation engines is of utmost urgency," said U.S. Secretary of the Navy Daniels, his tone brimming with urgency. 

These technologies were precisely what the United States lacked. Acquiring them from the British would save considerable time and resources. 

"Aircraft carriers? Airplanes? To my knowledge, the British don't possess aircraft carriers. As for their airplanes, they are no match for the Germans," remarked President Woodrow Wilson. 

"That's true, Mr. President. However, the British have already initiated research in this field. It's merely the current state of their nation that prevents them from constructing carriers. But their theoretical research has been ongoing. If we can obtain their technical data, it will be an immense boon for us," Daniels explained. 

"Very well. Secretary Bryan, include this in your negotiations with the British," the President instructed. 

"Understood, Mr. President," replied Secretary Bryan with a nod. 

"Mr. President, we should also aim to secure the blueprints and technical data for British tanks, particularly their engine designs," added Secretary of War Garrison. 

"Secretary Bryan, ensure that is part of the negotiations as well," Wilson emphasized. 

"Understood," Bryan replied, noting the directives. 

"Gentlemen, is there anything else we require?" Wilson asked, turning to the other cabinet members. 

"Mr. President, given the significant risks we are taking in supporting the British, we should demand more. For instance, once we defeat Germany, perhaps the British could cede some of their colonies to us as compensation," suggested Treasury Secretary McAdoo. 

The vast expanse of British colonies had long been the envy of the Americans. Having risen to prominence late, the U.S. had missed the colonial land grab dominated by European powers. Even their victory in the Spanish-American War yielded only Cuba and the Philippines. With limited access to markets, the Open Door Policy became a necessity. If America were to acquire more colonies, such measures would become redundant. 

President Wilson nodded in agreement. This moment presented a rare opportunity. The British, driven to the brink of collapse by Germany, would find it impossible to reject such conditions. 

"Colonies are the lifeblood of the British Empire. Do you really think they'd agree?" Bryan asked, frowning. 

"They will. Defeating Germany would enable the British Empire to rise again. They might not reclaim their position as the world's preeminent power, but they would remain among the leading nations. Without victory, however, Britain faces utter ruin. In such a dire situation, they will sacrifice whatever is necessary. As long as we don't demand their most vital colonies, they will likely acquiesce," Wilson reasoned. 

"Their core colonies are India, Canada, South Africa, and Australia. Beyond these, the rest of their territories don't hold significant value," Bryan observed. 

India was Britain's crown jewel, often called the brightest gem in the Queen's diadem. South Africa's wealth in gold and diamonds had become a major revenue stream. Canada was poised to become Britain's sanctuary in the event of a homeland collapse. Australia, though underdeveloped, held vast potential due to its size and resources. 

These key colonies would ensure Britain's survival and prevent its decline. Naturally, this made them prime targets for other nations eager to strip Britain of its colonial wealth. 

During the height of its power, Britain's might rendered such ambitions futile. Yet now, with the British on the verge of defeat, they could no longer safeguard their dominions. 

Still, seizing these colonies wasn't simple. Germany, on the cusp of victory, would likely inherit them. Attempting to claim such territories would provoke German retaliation—a battle few nations could withstand. 

"Beyond their core colonies, territories like Malaya, Burma, the Middle East, and parts of Africa still hold value. If we can acquire even a portion of these, it would greatly benefit the United States," McAdoo remarked. 

"But what about Germany? They would surely declare war on us," Garrison interjected. 

"We can reach an agreement with the British: once Germany is defeated, these colonies will be transferred to us. If we fail to defeat Germany, there's no point discussing colonial gains—we'd likely be defeated ourselves. A preemptive agreement with Britain merely secures our future interests," McAdoo argued. 

Both Bryan and Garrison nodded in agreement. If Germany were vanquished, claiming those colonies would be uncontested. If not, such discussions would be moot. 

"Mr. President, why not target the Middle Eastern colonies?" suggested Secretary of Commerce Redfield. 

"The Middle East? Isn't that a barren wasteland?" Wilson frowned. 

"Mr. President, while much of it may seem desolate, the region holds great potential for oil reserves. The British are already extracting oil in Persia, and the Germans have conducted numerous surveys there as well. We can be confident that the area harbors vast oil deposits. With oil becoming increasingly crucial, securing such resources would cement America's global dominance," Redfield explained. 

"Very well. Include this demand in our negotiations with the British," Wilson decided.