Chapter 770: 264, Deal with the United States Navy_2

In the meeting room, the United States Secretary of State Hughes insisted that if Japan did not agree to the treaty, for every battleship Japan built, the United States would build four.

Under the absolute pressure of power, Japan had no choice but to accept the treaty.

Although for the United States the signing of the treaty was a victory, for the United States Navy, such a situation meant budget cuts and the need to downsize their forces, and now all these matters had fallen squarely on Edward Albert’s shoulders.

Edward Albert was naturally unhappy.

But there was nothing he could do, just as General Pan Xing had previously faced the situation of demobilizing a million troops.

“I’ve been wanting to visit General Coontz, but knowing how busy you’ve been recently, I didn’t want to bother you. However, I think General Coontz’s schedule will become more relaxed in the future, and then we can get together more often!”

“Ha, when that time comes, will Donnie still be willing to sit down and chat with this old man?”

General Pan Xing, who had been resting with his eyes closed, suddenly opened his eyes and said with a smile, “I’m about to retire as well, and I’ve accepted Donnie’s invitation to go to Atlantic City for a good two-year rest. If you’re willing to come over then, we can keep each other company!”

Robert Coontz’s eyes lit up–what do political figures fear the most?

Being forgotten after leaving office!

While in office, they naturally wouldn’t lack power and wealth, but after stepping down, power is out of the question, though they don’t want to let go of wealth.

Saying that to Donnie was actually a kind of probe, how long can I stay in this position now? When I leave, will you still be like you are now?

But what Robert Coontz didn’t expect was that the usually aloof and proud General Pan Xing would answer this question for Donnie.

“If that’s the case, then I’d really like to stay for a while. I’ve heard that under Donnie’s management, Atlantic City has become the best tourist city in America. Now that I have the chance to live there for a while, I’m very willing!”

“Perfect, Atlantic City is planning to build a batch of seaside estates after the New Year. At that time, General Coontz can see what style of manor he likes, and I’ll have them prepare it!”

Donnie said, smiling.

“Won’t that be too much trouble?” Robert Coontz asked knowingly.

“Not at all, it’s Atlantic City’s honor!” Donnie said politely.

“It’s a pity I’m about to retire soon; otherwise, I’d certainly help with the matter you mentioned before, but now it will depend on Edward’s decision!”

Robert Coontz, having achieved the wealth he desired, offhandedly passed the matter on to Edward Albert.

Edward Albert, noncommittally, asked Donnie, “Donnie, I heard you’ve invested in a 15 million US Dollar shipyard in Cape May?”

Donnie nodded, “That’s right, and we’re not just building the simplest shipyard. Once the shipyard is completed, we will also collaborate with MIT to develop the metallurgy, battery designs, and diesel engine technologies required for shipbuilding.

Additionally, we want to develop various technologies for naval aircraft carriers and submarines!”

At the end of World War I, almost every major power had experimented with some combination of naval and aerial forces.

The United States deployed a naval seaplane squadron in Europe, Germany developed the Zeppelin airship and flew it over the North Sea, while the United Kingdom developed the “Furious” aircraft carrier.

During the war, “Furious” launched aircraft that bombed and destroyed two airships in a Zeppelin hangar near Tondern.

The United States Navy was very interested in the attack on Tondern, and later converted the collier “Jupiter” into the first aircraft carrier in American history.

Named “Langley,” this US carrier was slow moving with a flight deck of only 500 feet (152 meters) in length, allowing it to carry only a small number of warplanes.

However, “Langley” provided valuable experience for the construction of the next two US carriers.

These two carriers, named “Lexington” and “Saratoga,” were converted from cruisers according to this year’s “Washington Naval Treaty,” and they were true instruments of war.

Now, Donnie was openly sharing his ideas for Trident Shipyard, essentially signaling to them that he was officially entering the US military-industrial complex!

Such a grand plan still shocked both Robert Coontz and Edward Albert. They initially thought Donnie just wanted to acquire the warships being decommissioned by the US Navy, not realizing that Donnie had set his sights on partnering with the navy.

“Donnie, you should be aware of the current international situation. In the coming years, it is unlikely that the navy will have more orders!”

Edward Albert didn’t confirm whether he’d cooperate with Donnie, but he referred to the current situation instead.

The Great War had ended just a few years ago, and for most people, it was time to let the horses loose on the southern mountain. Not just the navy, but even the army was seeing much less procurement of armaments. Donnie’s venture seemed like a non-profitable business in any light.

“What others discard, I take up; what others take up, I discard!”

Donnie, crossing his legs, picked up his wine glass and said with a laugh, “If it were a few years earlier, General Albert, do you think my Trident Shipyard would have the capacity to compete?”