Chapter 426: Arms Race (Part 2)

After hearing what Adams said, Davis felt his face burning. Although he was very reluctant to admit it, it was a fact. With such a great advantage, he still failed. "Your Excellency the President, although I am not willing to admit that the big fact is indeed like this. Although we have an absolute advantage in the number of warships, we have no advantage in the real battlefield. In a few hours of battle, we lost dozens of warships, including two New York-class warships. Even the Jefferson suffered heavy damage. Nearly 30 warships were injured and needed to be returned to the ship for maintenance. How much did the French Mediterranean Fleet lose? According to the information we obtained, their losses were no more than 10 warships."

After Davis finished speaking, everyone was shocked. The battle loss ratio was too large. At this rate, the fleets of the United States and Canada led by Davis were indeed no match for others.

"In this case, it is basically impossible for us to win. Therefore, in order to preserve our strength, I ask the fleet to retreat. The fleet in the Azores region is also the same. If we do not retreat, we can imagine their fate under the internal and external attacks of the French Navy." Davis continued.

"General Davis, this is really incredible. Do you know why the gap between our country and the French Navy is so big?" Secretary of State Brandon asked with a look of unwillingness to believe it.

"The reason is actually very simple, it is entirely because of the gap in the technological strength of the two sides. After the French Navy changed its gear, the several warships equipped were more than one level higher than our warships in terms of attack power and defense. In particular, they were very powerful. They were equipped with a new weapon on their new warships. That kind of weapon can launch a powerful bomb that moves like a fish on the sea. After our investigation, we learned that this is the latest "Swordfish"-style torpedo developed by France. It is specially provided for small warships to attack large warships. We suffered a loss this time, mainly because of this weapon. The Jefferson was hit hard by only one torpedo. If you get another one, it is hard for me to imagine whether the Jefferson could return to the United States." Davis said with a palpitation.

"General Davis, as you said, our fleet is at a serious disadvantage in the battle with the French Mediterranean Fleet. Then I have a question, why doesn't the French fleet pursue it in that case? Could it be that the commander of the French Mediterranean Fleet be a fool?" said General Henry, head of the US Department of War.

As soon as his question was raised, the atmosphere in the office suddenly became very abnormal. The conflict between the US Navy and the Army has always existed. Now, Henry has seized the opportunity and used it to attack Davis.

"General Henry, you're right. We were indeed at a disadvantage at that time, but that didn't mean we didn't have the power to fight. The reason why the French Navy had the advantage was entirely because their weapons were much higher than ours. But there was a restriction on their advantages, that was, they had to keep a certain distance from their opponents, otherwise this advantage would not be revealed at all. If they pursued, we would definitely not sit still and wait for death and would fight with them to the death.

Even if we will suffer heavy losses, the losses of the French fleet will definitely not be much light. In addition, there is another reason. That is, the French Mediterranean fleet rushed to the Azores to lift the blockade of our fleet from the Azores. Under these two reasons, the French Mediterranean fleet allowed us to retreat." Davis explained. He seemed a little angry at Henry's intentional search for trouble. But now he has suffered a defeat and is not easy to attack, so as not to cause more trouble.

"General Davis, then how do you think we can get rid of the current predicament?" Adams saw that the situation was a little embarrassed and quickly changed the subject.

"It is very simple to get rid of the current dilemma, but it is extremely difficult to do. As long as we can develop warships of the same level as the French Navy, or even warships that are better than the French Navy, and equipped with large-scale troops, we can continue to maintain our advantage over the French Navy. Even if we cannot achieve it in technology, we must try to shorten the gap between the two sides." Davis said.

"General Davis, you also know that our technological strength is very big compared to France. If we want to make up for it in a short period of time, it is basically impossible, let alone develop a warship of the same level as the French Navy." 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 been a flaw for the United States.

"His Excellency President, I have a suggestion. Whether we can contact Canada to jointly develop a new warship, we have to admit that Canada's technological level is indeed a little higher than that of our country. If we cooperate with the two countries, it will be much more cost- and time-consuming. The possibility of success will also be much higher." Secretary of State Brandon suggested.

"Will they accept our proposal? In the past two years, Canada has deliberately restricted the technology from exporting to us." Adams said with a frown.

"I think Canada will not refuse. After all, now our two countries are sitting on the same boat. If we fail, they will definitely not end well." Brandon said.

After thinking about it, Adams nodded at the end and said, "Okay. I agree to the cooperation between the military and Canada, and you are fully responsible. But I have a requirement, that is, we must master all the technologies of the new warships."

Brandon nodded. He also understood that if the United States cannot master all the technology, it will definitely be slapped by Canada in the future, which is something he absolutely does not want to see.

"His Excellency President, I have another suggestion. The cycle of developing new warships is too long, and it may be difficult to meet our current needs. Therefore, we need to eliminate backward warships on the existing basis and equip more new warships. If possible, I think we should also expand the scale of the navy." Davis continued to suggest.

"Tell me about your plan. I think you should have thought of a plan long ago." Adams said.

"That's right. In the Navy's combat sequence, the most old-fashioned "Washington" class warships account for almost 70% of the total number of naval warships. To be honest, the "Washington" class warships are outdated. The tonnage of this kind of warships is too light and the firepower is weak, so they cannot cope with future wars. Therefore, I hope the government and Congress can approve the Navy to eliminate all "Washington" class warships and equip as many as possible with the "New York" class warships and the "South Carolina" class warships. As for the scale of the navy, I think the scale of our six fleets is too small, and I suggest expanding them to 12 fleets. If this is the case, I think even if the new warships are not developed, we will not be able to fight back in the confrontation with the French Navy." Davis said calmly. But he obviously did not expect what kind of reaction his plan would cause.

"No, I object to this plan!" Henry said first. What a joke. If he really wanted to do what Davis said, it would not be enough to spend all the US military expenditure on it. It would cost money to develop a new warship, and it would cost to change clothes. But the military expenditure was only that little. If the government and Congress really approved Davis' proposal, the US Army would have to tighten its belt for a long time. So Henry expressed strong opposition.

"General Davis, I know you are thinking about the United States, and your proposal is also very good. However, you do not seem to consider our current national conditions. The war has consumed a lot of national strength, and we can't afford to implement your plan at all." Adams said regretfully.

"His Excellency President, I am just suggesting it. Whether to adopt it is yours and Congress." Davis said indifferently.

Adams was silent. He knew very well about the powerful relationship. If the US Navy really lost its maritime advantage and was defeated by 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 is now and even become a colony for others. This is something Adams and all Americans absolutely do not want to see.

"Mr. Brandon, how much more can the Treasury take?" Adams asked.

"The Ministry of Finance can now spend up to $1 billion, which are all the spoils obtained in South America. However, according to General Davis' plan, we need to invest at least 3 billion, and the gap is too big." Brandon said with a regretful expression on his face.

After thinking for a long time, Adams said, "Let me tell the people about the current situation, mobilize the people to raise funds for the war, reduce government spending, issue additional public bonds. In addition, all newly occupied land and mines will be auctioned. No matter what, you must make up enough military expenditure."

"Okay. I'll do it as you want." Bran and others replied.
Chapter completed!