My Italy

In addition to repairing supplies in the Bermuda Islands, the Spanish fleet also did one thing, which was to release more than a thousand American sailors who had intercepted merchant ships.

The crew members who were let go were quickly picked up by passing ships.

At the same time, this allowed the United States to know the exact news of the departure of the Spanish fleet, which also made the United States breathe a sigh of relief.

Because the Spanish fleet did not show up, foreign trade along the east coast of the United States came to a standstill. Ships refused to sail to transport goods, and residents of port cities were afraid to return home. Within a few days of this Spanish fleet attack, the maritime trade network on the east coast was completely paralyzed. This loss was not small at all.

In addition, as these detained people returned to the country, the missing ships also had their origins, which intensified the American people's concerns about the Spanish fleet.

These pressures were passed down layer by layer, and finally fell on the head of Secretary of the Navy Theodore Roosevelt (former Secretary of the Navy John Long passed away a week ago).

In the face of this heavy pressure, Secretary Roosevelt also needed to gather everyone to study countermeasures.

In the conference hall of the battleship Indiana, the U.S. Navy held its first emergency meeting since the outbreak of the Spanish-American War. They will need to adapt their strategies to deal with possible reoccurrence of attacks.

"Gentlemen, the Navy of the United States of America has suffered the heaviest losses in history. I think everyone knows the details. So who can tell me now, what should we do next. We cannot let the Spaniards continue to be so rampant, we must Win the war," Roosevelt said angrily.

"Now we must first determine the location of the Spanish fleet. We must prevent it from going north again. I suggest sending a reconnaissance ship to the Bermuda Islands to observe here at any time."

Commodore Dewey, who had previously served as the commander of the Asiatic Fleet, but later had to rush back home with the fleet because Germany purchased the Philippines, was the first to give advice. This was a suggestion that any officer would make.

"Very good. This is a very good suggestion. Is there any other way?" Roosevelt continued to ask other commanders present.

"Whether the Spaniards attacked ports or shipyards, they only had one purpose, which was to weaken our navy, defeat us in a decisive naval battle, and secure the West Indies. For the Spanish fleet far away from home, it will be a long time There is no great military significance in cruising along the eastern coast. Sooner or later, they will come to Cuba and Santiago!

Here we could set up a pocket and await the arrival of the Spanish fleet. Of course, we need to concentrate our fleet as much as possible and send more notification ships. Because we need to grasp the movements of the Spanish fleet as much as possible, because its fleet speed is higher than ours. "Major General Samplin revealed his plan.

"Oh, what do you mean?"

Seeing that the minister was very interested, Major General Samplin then continued. "In my opinion, our country and Spain are actually very close in terms of naval strength. It can even be said that there is still a slight gap between our country and Spain in terms of main battleships.

First, the three slowest battleships in the Spanish fleet could all reach a maximum speed of 18 knots. Moreover, the three Turin-class battleships built in Italy are all perfect masterpieces in terms of fire protection and speed. Their performance is indeed much higher than that of our country's Indiana-class, and they are worthy of being the most enterprising naval battleships in Europe. . "

Yes, in Rear Admiral Samplin's view, the neglect of speed in the construction of Indiana-class battleships has resulted in such a passive situation today. At a speed of 15 knots, the three Indiana-class battleships had no effect at all.

This bitter pill was so evident in the war that now the U.S. Navy needed to taste it.

"The most important thing for us now is that we need the support of intelligence. We must get the exact information about the Spanish fleet, otherwise we will be in this slow situation again."

Obviously, this is Rear Admiral Samplin blaming the blame, but the slow speed of the battleship does limit the performance of the U.S. Navy.

Facing Major General Samplin's words, Roosevelt nodded and replied. "Intelligence is indeed a problem. If we don't get accurate information about the Spanish fleet, it will be a huge test. I have discussed this with the President. Individuals who provide effective intelligence about the Spanish fleet will be Or the organization will give a reward of US$10,000 to US$50,000. If this information is critical and helps our navy defeat its opponents, then the bonus will be increased to US$200,000.”

Yes, when there is no other way, a brave man can always be found with huge sums of money and big prizes.

"But then, the fleet needs to stay here a little longer to calm the frightened people."

At this time, Roosevelt made a request. This request can be regarded as a compromise between the president and the people, mainly the capitalists.

"Actually, we have another way to force the Spanish fleet to actively seek war."

At this time, a voice suddenly came out. Everyone looked and saw that this was Colonel Simpson, commander of the cruise formation of the North Atlantic Fleet. This man is known for his boldness in the military, so what suggestions can he make this time?

When he saw that someone was still making suggestions, Roosevelt asked with interest. "Tell me, what's the best way?"

"Send troops to land in Cuba at this time. Not only do we need to send troops, but we also need to send troops to land in Cuba with great fanfare."

What kind of method is this? Isn't it crazy to send troops to land and fight without seizing control of the sea?

However, the other officers present brightened up after hearing Colonel Simpson's suggestion. This was indeed a good idea.

"Can you tell me more specifically?"

Secretary Roosevelt wanted to hear the complete plan.

"Okay, Mr. Minister."

Colonel Simpson began to talk about his plan. "My plan is that we need to loudly publicize the news of our preparations to land in Cuba. At the same time, we request the army to send 10,000 to 20,000 people to prepare for the landing operation by boat. And we, the navy, need to be on standby and wait for the arrival of the Spanish fleet."

"What if the enemy fleet appears?"

"Then I will actually land, arrange for the army to land in Cuba, and completely occupy Cuba."

"What if the enemy attacks the East Coast again?"

"I will continue to increase the number of troops in Cuba. At the same time, I will leave torpedo boats and other small ships for defense in major port cities."

"if…………"

No matter how other officers asked questions, Colonel Simpson always had only one response, and that was to land additional troops in Cuba. And Colonel Simpson's single-minded approach immediately opened up the minds of other officers. I worry about this but there is that, why not let the Spaniards worry about their own Cuba.

Although the East Coast is very important to the United States, Cuba's importance to Spain at this time is far beyond its ability to bear. As long as the military really wants to take over Cuba, I don't believe the Spaniards would dare to let it go.

Isn't this just a comparison of endurance? Who is afraid of whom? At that time, they defeated the British who were in full swing and achieved independent status.

"Colonel Simpson, I am very happy to hear your wonderful suggestions. How about having lunch together?"

After listening to Colonel Simpson's advice, Secretary Roosevelt kindly invited him to dinner, and it was self-evident that he valued him.

"Very willing, Your Excellency Minister."