Chapter 0687: America’s Choice

"Your Excellency, the British Empire will never surrender to the Germans. We will persevere no matter what. Even if the entirety of our homeland falls under German occupation, we will not abandon the fight," declared Sir Edward Grey resolutely. 

Secretary of State Bryan frowned deeply, perceiving the underlying meaning in Sir Grey's words—that even if Britain's mainland were to fall, they would not relinquish hope and would continue resisting. 

"Sir, are you suggesting—?" Bryan asked cautiously. 

"Your Excellency, if our homeland is lost, we plan to retreat to Canada and continue our resistance against the Germans," Sir Grey responded directly. 

"What? Your government intends to relocate to Canada?" Bryan exclaimed, his astonishment palpable. Clearly, he had not anticipated such unwavering determination from the British. Moreover, this development was far from ideal for the United States. 

"Yes, Your Excellency. We are committed to standing our ground," Grey affirmed firmly. 

"But such a move would draw the flames of war to the Americas," Bryan remarked, his expression turning grave. 

"Should the Germans conquer Britain, I doubt they will have the resources to launch an immediate assault on Canada. We should be safe for some time," Grey replied. 

"Once the Germans consolidate their hold on the occupied territories, they will inevitably turn their attention to Canada. It might take years, perhaps longer, but no one can stop them when that time comes. By then, war will engulf the Americas," Bryan countered. 

"Your Excellency, when that time comes, we will fight the Germans with all our might," Grey insisted. 

"Hah! Do you truly believe you can hold off the Germans? Canada has a mere few million people and can muster only a limited army. The Germans could crush you effortlessly," Bryan retorted. 

"Secretary Bryan, I believe that when the time comes, the United States will not stand idly by. After all, if the Germans were to conquer Canada, their next target would undoubtedly be America. This is beyond question!" Grey asserted. 

"Sir, are you deliberately trying to draw the flames of war onto American soil, hoping to leverage our strength for your revenge?" Bryan's expression darkened. 

"Certainly not, Your Excellency. You must realize that once the Germans defeat us, the United States will inevitably become their next target. America is vast, with extensive territories, a large population, and unparalleled economic strength. The oceans have shielded your security, allowing America to emerge as a potential world leader. But the Germans, having defeated Britain to claim global dominance, will not tolerate their hegemony being threatened by the United States. Once they recover, they will undoubtedly seek to suppress America, potentially through military means. For centuries, Britain has played the role of world leader, enforcing its will in similar ways. Regrettably, this time, we have failed to contain the Germans and are now on the verge of defeat," Grey elaborated solemnly. 

Bryan's expression shifted repeatedly. He was acutely aware that America was next on Germany's list—a belief shared widely within the U.S. government. This was why America had been rapidly building its military capabilities, preparing to withstand a potential German assault. And if defeating Germany could elevate America to the status of a new global hegemon, so much the better. 

However, defeating a Germany at the peak of its power seemed an insurmountable challenge—at least with America's current strength. This realization was the source of the government's unease. 

"Your Excellency, if Britain cannot defend its homeland, relocating to Canada will be our only option. When that happens, our two nations can collaborate closely. We share a common enemy, and an alliance between us is only natural. America possesses vast industrial strength, yet it lags behind in cutting-edge technologies—an area where Britain still holds a significant advantage. By combining our strengths, America could ascend to a higher level of power, bolstering your ability to repel the Germans and perhaps even defeating them," Grey proposed persuasively. 

"Sir, I must admit, your argument is highly compelling. I will report this to the President, though I cannot guarantee his agreement," Bryan replied cautiously. 

Hearing Bryan's response, Sir Edward Grey finally breathed a sigh of relief. He was confident that the Americans would ultimately acquiesce. 

"Your Excellency, I trust President Wilson to be a wise leader who will understand what choice serves the United States best," Grey remarked with conviction. 

Following the meeting, Bryan hurried to the White House to brief President Woodrow Wilson on the matter. 

Upon hearing Bryan's report, President Wilson furrowed his brow deeply. 

"The British are trying to drag us into their war. From the very onset of this conflict, they have sought to pull us into their camp. Yet, despite their ulterior motives, they are not entirely wrong. While we have stayed out of this war, we cannot deny that we have become Germany's next target. Our choices are limited," Wilson said gravely. 

"Mr. President, are you suggesting we agree to Britain's request?" Bryan inquired. 

"Yes, Secretary Bryan. Whether or not Britain relocates to Canada, we are destined to become Germany's next adversary. Thus, our only recourse is to strengthen ourselves as much as possible before Germany strikes. Only by doing so will we have the means to confront them. While Britain may be in decline, the technologies they possess are invaluable to us. This is our opportunity to acquire those technologies under favorable terms," Wilson concluded decisively. 

Secretary Bryan nodded in agreement. He understood that President Wilson's decision was prudent. Since war between America and Germany seemed inevitable, the only rational course of action was to grow stronger by any means necessary.