I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 866: Security Issues

Borden's guess wasn't entirely correct.

Shire didn't include tanks and other heavy equipment for two reasons: first, he believed Canada didn't particularly need them, and second, to test Canada's hidden agenda.

Canada not particularly needing them was because Canada is on the strategic defense side. They need anti-tank artillery more than tanks.

The purpose of testing the hidden agenda was that Shire hoped to use tanks and other heavy equipment to exchange for more resources from Canada.

If Borden clearly told Shire:

"I'm sorry, Vice Admiral."

"These pieces of equipment don't satisfy us. We still need the production rights for tanks, armored vehicles, and other heavy equipment."

"Only then can we ensure our own safety and dare to sign a contract with you."

At that point, Shire would immediately add the heavy equipment without hesitation, still at half price or even give it away for free.

Money is not important; what's important is Canada's "freedom." After all, one must "think from the height of humanity."

Shire loves peace and values "fraternity"; there's no doubt about this.

As for money, when Canada gains independence from Britain and faces the powerful threat of the United States, relying solely on Shire for military production.

Wouldn't the price be whatever Shire wants it to be?

The upgraded version of tanks, artillery, airplanes, just add a zero, and Canada would be grateful.

However, Borden seems to have not considered this.

He discussed with the Minister of Defense for a long time, focusing on possible threats from Britain and the United States.

"We must prepare for the worst, Hughes," Borden said. "Because we don't have the luxury to take risks; one wrong step could drag Canada into war."

"I know, Prime Minister." Hughes replied:

"But at the same time, the opportunity is right before us."

"The British Army is bogged down in France, and the home islands are surrounded and blockaded by German submarines. It's said that recently the North Sea is at risk of being breached by the Germans."

"Under such circumstances, is it possible for Britain to turn against us? If we miss this opportunity, it might be very hard to escape British control."

Borden nodded in agreement; though there's a possibility of conflict, the probability is low.

"Now." Borden pulled the map that was set aside in front of Hughes: "Let's consider the matter of turning against them; can we handle it?"

Hughes looked at the map for a while and answered confidently, "If we have 'Camel' fighter jets, I believe we can handle it."

Borden didn't quite understand: "Why the 'Camel' fighter jets?"

Hughes pointed at the map to explain:

"Once there's a conflict, the British may send a fleet to intimidate us."

"But considering their navy is restrained by the Germans, the dispatched fleet wouldn't be large."

"If we have 'Camel' fighter jets to contest air supremacy, we can prevent British warships from using seaplanes to observe targets or adjust fire."

Borden understood: "Then it's possible to turn it into another Dardanelles Strait campaign?"

"Yes." Hughes nodded: "We can use mines and coastal defense artillery to ensure the British Army can't land, and if they do, they'll be pushed back."

Then Hughes added: "It would be great if we could also have 'Caproni' bombers."

Borden, a lawyer whose military sensitivity was low, cluelessly asked, "Can these bombers destroy warships?"

"No, not destroy, Prime Minister." Hughes replied: "Shire has a type of bomber that can carry torpedoes and use them to sink warships."

Borden exclaimed, "Oh," connecting it to what he heard: "Just like what they did to the German Fleet in the North Sea."

Though he had heard about it, he didn't make the connection; it's said this torpedo plane sank a battleship.

"Yes." Hughes said excitedly:

"If we have this torpedo plane, we essentially don't need to worry about the British Fleet's threat anymore."

"We could even say, once Britain finds out we have this plane, they wouldn't dare send a fleet because they couldn't form 'an effective deterrent.'"

This gave Borden great confidence: "Ask Shire if we could include this bomber."

Soon, a telegram came back from Shire:

"This is our latest bomber, Prime Minister, and its combat concept is highly advanced."

"Because of concerns over technology leaks, it's not authorized for production, only for sale."

Hughes quickly suggested: "Buying it is also fine; as long as we have the bomber alongside the torpedoes, we can resolve the current problem."

He further added: "The bomber and its torpedoes require high technical demands, even if Shire agrees to authorize production, we can't produce them immediately."

Borden found it reasonable; the key is solving the urgent issue, so he asked via telegram: "What's the unit price?"

"Not expensive." Shire raised the price a bit: "50,000 Canadian dollars per aircraft, including 2 torpedoes, with a single torpedo priced at 8,000 Canadian dollars."

The price isn't extravagant; France itself needs about 30,000 Canadian dollars, and a torpedo is 5,000 Canadian dollars.

Hughes looked hopeful, cautiously said:

"The price is fair; we might need a squadron of 12 aircraft, totaling 600,000 Canadian dollars."

"Additionally, we need to supplement reserve torpedoes, plus spare parts and personnel training, possibly requiring over a million Canadian dollars."

"However, this can solve our security problem."

Borden hesitated; over a million Canadian dollars wasn't a small amount for Canada at the time.

But thinking that with these torpedo planes, mineral resources could be reclaimed from the British, deducting Shire's share, Canada would still profit without losing.

Moreover, becoming the person who leads Canada away from British control could foreseeably boost his reputation, securing next year's reelection.

So Borden didn't hesitate, nodded decisively: "Add it to the list."

Hughes was overjoyed: "A wise choice, Prime Minister, Canada will possess first-class aviation forces, even leap into being a military power."

If there's anything missing, it's just the tanks and such equipment.

No need to worry about army quality; the Canadian Army, tempered on the Western Front, possesses even greater combat strength than the British.

The only concern is how to bring these soldiers back if things turn sour.

Borden said: "Once the British issue is resolved, we need to consider the American issue."

Hughes's tone instantly turned cautious:

"After the United States entered the war, Shire personally trained them, and their combat strength developed quickly."

"Especially since they have an armored division and a mechanized division, with each division having 27,000 troops."

"Additionally, the Americans have recruited over a million troops, continuously deploying them to the Western Front."

Borden's expression slightly changed.

Another reason Canada didn't dare to break away from Britain was the need to use Britain to balance against the United States.

If a conflict with Britain arises, they must face the American threat alone.

So, is now the right time?