Chapter 0686: A Covert Visit to America

"Sir, South Africa is too close to the Germans, Australia is too far away, and India is too underdeveloped. Therefore, Canada remains our best retreat. Although there's a good chance we can hold off the Germans if they dispatch only a million troops to invade the British mainland, we must prepare for the worst. If the homeland becomes indefensible, I hope we can retreat to Canada to continue the fight," Churchill said to Sir Edward Grey, the Foreign Secretary.

The sheer strength of the German forces left Churchill far from confident about holding the British mainland, even against a single million-strong invasion force. Furthermore, no one could guarantee that the Germans would stop there. If Britain succeeded in repelling the initial assault, what would prevent Germany from dispatching additional troops? With most other fronts already subdued, Germany could now concentrate its full might against Britain. In contrast, Britain's military strength was woefully inadequate.

"Prime Minister, I understand. I'll do everything in my power to make the necessary arrangements. As for the Americans, I'll attempt to negotiate, but I fear their demands will be excessive," Sir Edward Grey responded.

Churchill nodded grimly. "If the homeland falls and we have no other options, no matter how outrageous their demands, we will have to accept."

"So, no matter what they ask, we are to concede?" Sir Edward Grey asked, frowning.

"Strive to secure the best possible terms," Churchill sighed, his tone heavy with resignation.

Once the dominant global power, the British Empire had now been reduced to such dire circumstances—a bitter and heartbreaking reality.

"Understood, Prime Minister," Grey replied with a solemn nod.

To ensure Grey's safe passage to America, the Royal Navy assigned a state-of-the-art destroyer for a clandestine nighttime departure. Despite the German naval blockade, gaps in their coverage could still be exploited under the cover of darkness. The destroyer's speed would make it challenging for the Germans to mount a pursuit during daylight.

Canada, though a British colony, operated as a self-governing dominion with significant autonomy. Its governor-general, prime minister, and political elites aspired to complete independence. The prospect of Britain relocating its government to Canada would severely undermine these ambitions, making the idea deeply unwelcome. 

Nevertheless, Britain retained considerable influence in Canada, particularly over the military, which remained under British control. With a population of only seven million, Canada lacked the means to resist a determined British government. Consequently, Governor-General Arthur William Patrick Albert and Prime Minister Robert Laird Borden reluctantly agreed to a secret meeting with Grey upon his arrival. Both leaders expressed their strong opposition to Britain relocating its government to Canada, fearing the conflict would spill over into their territory.

Grey assured them that once the war with Germany concluded—regardless of victory or defeat—the British government would withdraw from Canada. Furthermore, he pledged to grant Canada full independence after the war. 

Faced with the realities of colonial subordination and military limitations, Albert and Borden had little choice but to acquiesce. They stipulated, however, that Britain must minimize the chances of the conflict extending to Canadian soil, as the country was too fragile to withstand the ravages of war.

Having resolved the issue in Canada, Grey traveled covertly to Washington for a secret meeting with U.S. Secretary of State William Jennings Bryan.

"Mr. Secretary, the Germans are preparing to invade our homeland. Although the British Empire will resist to the very end, we must admit the harsh reality: Germany's military strength is overwhelming. Even with our utmost efforts, there is no guarantee we can withstand their assault," Grey said.

"Sir Grey, I completely understand. The German military is extraordinarily powerful. They have single-handedly dismantled the entire Entente," Bryan replied, with a hint of amazement. For America, there was relief in staying out of the conflict; otherwise, they too might be grappling with how to end it.

"Indeed. No one anticipated the Germans to be this formidable—it has exceeded all expectations," Grey lamented, reflecting on how even the once-mighty Royal Navy had been brought to its knees after just a few naval engagements.

"If the British Empire cannot endure, perhaps it's time to consider ending the war," Bryan suggested. "The United States is willing to mediate, though I must warn you: the Germans are exceedingly greedy. Should Britain seek peace, the cost will be astronomical."

The world had already witnessed Germany's ruthless demands in its treaties with France and Italy. Britain, as an even wealthier nation, would undoubtedly face an even harsher toll. For the United States, however, Britain's survival remained strategically advantageous. The enmity between Britain and Germany would help divert German attention, allowing America to continue its military buildup unchallenged.

Although America was making great strides in military development, the gap between their forces and Germany's remained vast. Only with sustained preparation and time could they hope to rival German power. Meanwhile, a beleaguered Britain served as a buffer, easing some of America's strategic burdens.