The Rise of the Empire

"Our current environment is very bad. If we attack Spain, will Japan take advantage of it in Hawaii?" Simpson looked at Roosevelt anxiously. Japan in this plane is different from the history. At this time, the strength of the Japanese navy is far stronger than in history. In 1898, it could produce 4 10,000-ton warships, and the speed of the main fleet was over 19 knots. It firmly suppressed the American cruiser fleet.

"The Far East is not only Japan, but also Spain. Spain sent their two most elite armored cruisers Cologne and Madrid to the Far East. There may be more troops in the future. They seem to be aware of our plan, so they gave up the distance from us. The West Indies are very close. With the main force concentrated in the Far East, the Philippines, Dewey's fleet seems unable to face such a powerful opponent. Especially when there is a potential opponent." Simpson added after thinking.

"It seems that we need to change the deployment of our fleet. Spain dispersed their fleet to strengthen the defense of the Far East, and we must also make changes to strengthen the Far East Fleet, at least to defeat Spain and deter the Japanese at the same time." Roosevelt thought for a while and said.

"The scale is probably quite large, and we don't have a suitable port in the Far East, and we can only maintain a small fleet in Samoyed. Most of the Far East fleet uses Hong Kong as its home port. If we mobilize more capital ships, Logistical supplies and support may be a problem." Simpson raised his concerns.

"But it's necessary, isn't it?" Roosevelt said, shaking his head. "Because it is necessary, we have no choice. Since this is the case, we will work hard to do it. Obtaining the West Indies is only a secondary goal of ours. Compared with Cuba, the Philippines is more important. He is our springboard to enter the Far East. Our guarantee for entering the Qing market.”

"Two armored cruisers Brooklyn and New York are going, as well as two Columbia-class defensive cruisers. Although their firepower is very weak, they have great endurance. The fuel they carry is enough for combat use. It can greatly reduce the logistical pressure. Together with Dewey's flagship Olympia, we have five warships above 5,000 tons."

"But this is not enough. We should send another battleship. The new battleship Iowa is good. It is the most elite battleship in our fleet and has a higher speed. Although the maximum speed is 17 knots, it is slower than the cruiser. Some, but barely enough." Roosevelt thought for a while and added.

"This change is a bit big. If the six large warships rely on the British for supplies, it may be difficult. With other warships, it may take more than 10,000 tons of coal to fill the coal bunkers of all the warships! And the coal must be high-quality coal, otherwise coal ash during wartime would be a very troublesome thing." Simpson's face changed slightly.

"Scared by this matter? If it weren't for the fact that the number of battleships in our hands is too small, I would like to send 2 more ships. Now the 6 battleships can only be balanced by one at most, and we are still at a slight disadvantage. We are fighting Spain After the fleet engages, the gap with the Japanese fleet may be even greater, so I suggest adding two 4,000-ton protected cruisers." Roosevelt said with a smile.

"This logistical pressure is too great. Even if the British help us, it will be difficult to achieve. I disagree with this plan." If Simpson was only hesitant at the beginning, when Roosevelt proposed a plan to further expand the Far East Fleet, he obviously opposed it. attitude.

"If we can't even maintain this strength in the Far East,

Then don't talk about occupying the Philippines. You don't think we have only one enemy in the Far East, do you? Roosevelt sneered. "Let the Philadelphia and the San Francisco go." The two 4,000-ton cruisers had twelve 6-inch guns. Although the protection is a bit worse, the firepower is still fierce. In this case, we will have 8 warships of more than 4,000 tons in the Far East. If we are lucky, we can deter Japan. "

"Is that what you mean?" Simpson asked.

"It should be said that we mean me, the people behind me, the organization, etc. The outbreak of war is irreversible, and the sooner the better, the longer it drags on, the lower our chances of winning. The Spaniards have also begun to expand their army ’ said Roosevelt.

"Then do you think the Japanese dare to do anything?" Simpson said with some concern.

"I don't think they dare. We have a good relationship with the British, and from historical experience, the intimidation of the Japanese is also useful for weak countries. We have won several confrontations in Hawaii, and now the Sino-Japanese war Time has already become an enemy, and Russia still has France and Germany behind it, so the Japanese should not make extra troubles at this time." Roosevelt pondered for a moment and then said carefully.

"I always feel that you are not telling the truth." Lieutenant General Simpson said. "If you think that Japan is afraid to do it, it will not make such a major adjustment to the navy. In fact, you are ready for battle, aren't you?"

"If I am really ready for battle, then I will concentrate the fleet in Hawaii, and wait until we solve the problem of the West Indies before heading to the Far East!" Roosevelt's expression changed slightly.

"But our entire fleet cannot be supported in the Far East. We don't even know how long it takes a battleship formation to sail from the East Coast to the Far East. I think our only chance of success is to create a fait accompli, and when we declare war on Spain, immediately Occupy the Philippines, better start this war before the two Japanese warships come home!" Simpson said.

"This is impossible. It's too hasty. The earliest time was the first half of 1898. The Iowa just entered service. Counting the crew's familiarity with the battleship to form combat effectiveness, and then deploying to the Far East, it will take at least half a year. Then consider other The preparation work and the unification of congressional opinions are very tight." Roosevelt shook his head and said. "Look at the attitude of the British first. If Britain is willing to restrict Japan, we can avoid this conflict."

"It can only be like this first. I hope the British can see the situation clearly." Simpson said with a sigh. "In addition, it is said that when you came back, what did the prince of Bavaria say to you?"

"That's right, he said, sooner or later we will regret the matter of helping Japan buy a ship. I have already regretted it now. Who would have thought that the two sides would have a conflict in Hawaii this year! I just hope that this will make me regret it That's it." Roosevelt said with a sigh.

Thanks to book friends First Guards Tank Brigade for their reward~~~, and book friends hi112 and Hao Hao for their monthly support~~~. Ask for a subscription and a reward~~~! ! !