Text Chapter 426 Arms Race (Part 2)
When Adams said this, Davis felt his face was burning. Despite admitting it, it was true that with such an advantage, he still failed. "Your Excellency, although I don't want to admit it, the truth is true. Although we have an absolute advantage in the number of warships, we have no advantage on the real battlefield. In a few hours During the battle, we lost dozens of warships, including two "New York" class warships. Even the "Jefferson" was severely damaged. Nearly 30 warships were injured and needed to return to the slipway for repairs. The loss of the French Mediterranean Fleet How much is it? According to the information we have received, their losses did not exceed 10 warships."
After Davis finished speaking, everyone was shocked. This battle loss ratio is too big. According to this ratio, the fleets of the United States and Canada led by Davis are indeed not their opponents.
"In this case, it is basically impossible for us to win. Therefore, in order to preserve our strength, I asked the fleet to retreat. The fleet in the Azores is also for this reason. If it does not retreat, the French Navy will Under the internal and external attack, everyone can imagine their fate." Davis continued.
"General Davis, this is really unbelievable. Do you know why there is such a big gap between our country and the French navy?" Secretary of State Brandon asked with a look of disbelief.
"The reason. It's actually very simple. It's all because of the gap in technological strength between the two sides. After the French Navy refitted, the warships it equipped were more than one point higher than our warships in terms of attack power and defense power. Grade. Especially in terms of attack power, it is very powerful. On their new warships, they are equipped with a new type of weapon. That weapon can launch a powerful bomb that moves freely like a fish on the sea surface. After our After the investigation, we found out that this is the latest 'Swordfish' torpedo developed by France. It is specially designed for small warships to attack large warships. Our loss this time is mainly because of this weapon. The 'Jefferson' only After being hit by a torpedo, I suffered heavy damage, and if I hit another one, it is hard for me to imagine whether the 'Jefferson' can return to the United States." Davis said with a face full of palpitations.
"General Davis, according to what you said, our fleet is at a serious disadvantage in the battle with the French Mediterranean Fleet. Then I have a question, under such circumstances. Why didn't the French fleet pursue it? Could it be? Is the commander of the French Mediterranean Fleet an idiot?" said Admiral Henry, head of the U.S. Department of War.
As soon as he raised this question, the atmosphere in the office suddenly became very abnormal. The contradiction between the US Navy and the Army has always existed. Now, Henry seized the opportunity and used it to attack Davis, which is not surprising.
"General Henry, you are right. We were indeed at a disadvantage at the time, but that did not mean that we were incapable of fighting. The reason why the French navy had an advantage was entirely because their weapons were much higher than ours. But their weapon advantage also has a limitation. That is, they must keep a certain distance from their opponents, otherwise this advantage will not be revealed at all. If they pursue them, we will definitely not sit still and fight them to the death. That way If so, even if we will suffer heavy losses, the losses of the French fleet will certainly not be light. In addition, there is another reason. That is, the French Mediterranean fleet is rushing to the Azores to relieve our fleet against the Azores. The blockade of the archipelago. For these two reasons, the French Mediterranean Fleet allowed us to retreat." Davis explained. He seemed a little angry at Henry's deliberate finding of faults. But now that he has just suffered a defeat, it is not easy to get angry, so as not to cause more trouble.
"General Davis. Then how do you say we can get out of the current predicament?" Adams looked a little embarrassed at the situation and quickly changed the subject.
"To get rid of the current predicament, it is very simple to say, but it is extremely difficult to do. As long as we can develop warships on the same level as the French Navy, or even better than the French Navy, and equip large-scale troops, Then we can continue to maintain the advantage over the French navy. Even if it is not technically achieved, we must try to shorten the gap between the two sides." Davis said.
"General Davis, you also know that there is a huge gap between our scientific and technological strength compared with France's. It is basically impossible to make up for it in a short time, let alone develop a weapon of the same level as the French Navy. The battleship is gone," Adams said with a bitter face. It has only been half a century since the founding of the United States. In terms of technology, it has always been a flaw in the United States.
"Your Excellency, I have a proposal. Can we contact Canada to jointly develop a new
As for warships, I have to admit that Canada's technological level is indeed better than that. If our two countries cooperate, it will save a lot in terms of cost and time. And the probability of success will also increase a lot. ’ suggested Secretary of State Brandon.
—
"I don't think the Canadian side will refuse. After all, our two countries are sitting on the same boat. If we fail, they will definitely end well," Brandon said.
After thinking about it, Adams finally nodded and said, "Okay then. I agree that the military will cooperate with Canada, and you will be fully responsible. But I have one requirement, that is, we must master all the technologies of the new warships."
Brandon nodded. He also understands that if the United States cannot master all the technologies, it will definitely be restrained by Canada in the future, which is what he absolutely does not want to see.
"Your Excellency, I have another suggestion. The cycle of developing new warships is too long, and I am afraid it will be difficult to meet our current needs. Therefore, we need to eliminate outdated warships and acquire more equipment on the basis of the existing ones. New warships, if possible, I think we should also expand the size of the navy." Davis continued to suggest.
"Tell me about your plan. I think you should have already thought of a plan." Adams said.
"That's right. At present, in the Navy's battle order, the most old-fashioned 'Washington'-class warships account for more than 70% of the total number of naval warships. To be honest, the 'Washington'-class warships are already outdated. This kind of warship is too light in tonnage and weak in firepower, so it cannot cope with future wars at all. Therefore, I hope that the government and Congress can approve that the navy eliminate all the "Washington" class warships and equip as many "New York" class warships and warships as possible. 'South Carolina' class warships. As for the size of the navy, I think the size of our 6 fleets is too small. I suggest expanding to 12 fleets. If this is the case, I think that even if the new warships have not been developed, the warships in China and France In the confrontation of the navy, we will not be powerless to fight back." Davis said calmly. But he obviously didn't expect what kind of reaction his plan would cause.
"No, I object to this plan!" Henry said first. Just kidding, if you really want to do what Davis said, it's not enough to spend all the US military spending on it. It takes money to develop new warships, and it also takes money to change them. But military spending is only so small. If the administration and Congress really approve Davis' proposal, the U.S. Army will have to tighten its belt for a long time. Therefore, Henry expressed strong opposition. UU reading www.uukanshu.com
"General Davis, I know you are thinking for the sake of the United States, and your proposal is very good. However, you seem to have not considered our current national conditions. The war has consumed a lot of national power, and we simply can't afford it now Come to implement your plan." Adams said regretfully.
"Your Excellency, I am just proposing. As for whether to adopt it, it is a matter between you and Congress." Davis said indifferently.
Adams was silent, and he was very clear about the serious relationship between them. If the U.S. Navy really loses its maritime superiority and loses to the French Navy, then it is conceivable that the powerful French Army will land in the Americas. By that time, the United States will lose everything it has now, and even become someone else's colony again. This is what Adams and all Americans absolutely do not want to see.
"Mr. Brandon, how much more money can the Treasury provide?" Adams asked.
"The Ministry of Finance can still spend up to 1 billion U.S. dollars now, and these are all in South America: spoils of war. However, according to General Davis' plan, we need to invest at least 3 billion U.S. dollars. The gap is too big." Brandon He also said with a regretful expression on his face.
After thinking for a long time, Adams said: "How about this? Announce the current situation to the public and mobilize the public to raise donations for the war. Reduce government spending and issue additional public debt. In addition, all newly occupied land and mines will be auctioned. In this way, we must make up for this military expenditure.”
"Okay. I will do what you want." Bran and others replied.
Henry's opinion was ignored. The U.S. government began to gather huge sums of money to develop new warships, and to refit the navy on a large scale to expand the size of the navy to ensure that it will be in a favorable position in the future confrontation with the French navy. An arms race kicked off on both sides of the Atlantic.