Chapter 39: Slap in the face

Over the centuries, the British Empire's mastery of the seas has been a cornerstone of its global dominance. The confluence of substantial financial resources, advanced shipbuilding capabilities, and a cadre of highly skilled naval personnel has enabled the British Navy to assert its supremacy on the world's oceans for generations, outpacing the efforts of rival navies.

The Minister of the Navy, Sir Benavan, displayed a keen interest in the potential reactions of the Germans upon discovering that their battleships, either constructed or under construction, were rendered obsolete. The implications of this revelation, particularly in light of the substantial investments made by Germany in naval development, suggested that William II might react with a furious response. This scenario highlighted the evolving power dynamics between the United Kingdom and Germany as the latter's industrial strength surpassed that of the former, prompting concerns among British leaders about the potential erosion of their naval hegemony.

In the face of this challenge, the British cabinet, led by figures like Sir Fisher, exhibited a unanimous and resolute stance: Germany must be suppressed at all costs to safeguard the interests and hegemony of the British Empire. The anxiety surrounding the secrecy of the new British battleship, given the pervasive presence of German spies, became a central concern. Sir Fisher acknowledged the difficulty of maintaining complete secrecy but assured that even if the Germans learned of the new battleship, acquiring critical data would prove to be an arduous task.

Sir Fisher outlined the strategic advantage held by the British Navy, emphasizing ongoing efforts to stay ahead of the Germans in both the quantity and quality of battleships. The development of the 'Bellerophon-class' battleship and the research on the 13.5-inch naval gun underscored the British commitment to preserving naval superiority.

Sir Benavan, reassured by these efforts, emphasized the necessity of maintaining an advantage over the Germans. He vowed to thwart any attempts by Germany to challenge British sea power, thereby ensuring the perpetual dominance of the British Navy.

Acknowledging Germany's intelligence activities in the UK, the narrative delved into the challenges faced by German spies and their efforts to collect information on the British Navy. The launch and outfitting of the 'Dreadnought' battleship became a focal point of this intelligence gathering, and despite British attempts at maintaining secrecy, German intelligence swiftly acquired relevant data.

In Germany, Marshal Earl Tirpitz expressed regret upon learning about the specifications of the British battleship. He lamented the rejection of Qin Tian's design, seeing it as a missed opportunity to narrow the gap with the British Navy. He criticized the Naval Technical Committee for its shortsightedness, highlighting the need for a more strategic approach.

The repercussions of this revelation reverberated to the highest echelons of German leadership, prompting William II to berate the Naval Technical Committee and express his frustration over their perceived inadequacy. This discontent culminated in the immediate convening of an imperial meeting, with Count von Warren, chairman of the Naval Technical Committee, summoned to address the concerning state of affairs. The committee now faced a critical juncture, navigating challenges and potential restructuring to meet the evolving demands of naval modernization.