In the small conference room at Ten Downing Street, there were only seven or eight individuals, led by William Pitt Junior, all from the high ranks of the Cabinet, as well as the Ministers of the Navy and the Army.

This made Stock, sitting in the corner, feel completely uncomfortable—every interaction with the Prime Minister by the West Indian Association usually spelled trouble ahead.

At the front of the conference table, the Marquess of Wellesley pointed to the map on the wall and continued, "As I mentioned, the Spaniards will focus their attention entirely on the American Militia threatening Florida. They are likely to also mobilize troops from Mexico or New Granada for defense."

He saw that Lord Melville wanted to ask a question and immediately nodded, saying, "Of course, there’s also the Louisianan French people.

"In fact, the Americans are not aiming their full attack at Florida, as their main forces have always gathered at Chickasaw. If the French do decide to join the Spanish in the war, they will immediately fall into an American ambush."

Lord Melville frowned, "Forgive me, but they are likely not a match for the French, as proven a few years ago."

Wellesley patiently explained, "Firstly, the French would certainly believe that the American Army’s main force is in Georgia, thus relaxing their vigilance, which would lead to a devastating blow to them."

"Secondly, the Governor’s Mansion of Canada will deploy 1,500 soldiers southwards from Minnesota, directly threatening Saint Louis City.

"Therefore, French colonial forces will not cause a significant impact."

Lord Melville wanted to say more but was interrupted by William Pitt Junior, "I must remind everyone here that neither Florida nor Louisiana is our focus."

Wellesley nodded and pointed towards South America, "Our strategic objectives are New Granada and Mexico."

Stock mumbled to himself: this is not the time to waste energy on the Spaniards.

As if he had heard, the Marquess of Wellesley continued, "Currently, the military strength in Rio de Janeiro is superior to that of the Spaniards in America.

"And New Granada is in the throes of severe rebellion; should the Spaniards redirect their forces to Florida, Regent King Joao could possibly capture Bogota within half a year and launch an attack against Mexico."

Stock was taken aback, finally understanding what Sir Ross meant by saying "Our advantage is the Portuguese" before entering.

Indeed, Portugal and Spain are sworn enemies now; they would surely be eager to strike hard against Spanish forces in America, and this could significantly expand the territory of the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil, and the Algarves.

South America has already become the core territory for the Portuguese Royal Family, which is of great importance to them.

Lord Hawkesburg, who was also one of the chief architects of this plan, immediately added, "As everyone knows, Mexico is the ’heartland’ that the Spaniards absolutely cannot relinquish, and when they cannot handle things themselves, they will definitely drag France into the conflict in South America."

The silver mines and colonial tax revenues in Mexico account for nearly 25% of Spain’s total fiscal income.

This situation occurred after the gold mines in California were tapped, leading to a decline in Mexico’s share; several years ago, it accounted for as much as 35%!

Put simply, losing Mexico would lead to immediate bankruptcy for Spain.

Wellesley looked at Lord Melville, "This can be used to answer your previous question. Even if the French Army manages to defeat the Americans along the Florida or Mississippi River coastlines, they cannot continue expanding their victories, as they must allocate their limited forces into the dense forests of Saint Thomas, engaging with the Portuguese army."

"Afterward, they will become mired in constant harassment by Americans regarding Louisiana, compounded by the enormous depletion from expeditionary warfare.

"According to Lord Hawkesburg and my judgment, in four months at the most, the French people will be forced to dispatch more troops from their homeland to the Americas."

Lord Melville finally ceased his doubts and exclaimed with excitement, "Our fleet will promptly and thoroughly sink the transport ships carrying the French Expeditionary Army!"

Wellesley signaled with a look for him to calm down, "Indeed, we can sink some, but it’s essential that most of them reach South America."

Lord Hawkesburg explained, "We need to allow France and Spain to see the hope of victory, so they will continue pouring troops and resources into South America.

"And everything will eventually be destroyed in New Granada."

After the Portuguese Royal Family and the grandees relocated to Brazil, the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil, and the Algarves had become the strongest nation in America—they not only brought vast wealth but also over 23,000 regular Portuguese troops, along with the entire Portuguese Navy.

The Spanish military in America was roughly half of Portugal’s size, even when combined with the French Army in Louisiana, it was far from matching the Portuguese.

Not to mention the Americans, along with the forces from the Canadian Colony.

At the same time, the British Caribbean Fleet could provide immense support.

Stock instinctively spoke up, "But what if the French people refuse from the start to offer aid to the Spanish colonies?"

Lord Hawkesburg glanced at him with a smile, "Very good question. But unless the French people have lost their minds, they would never choose to do so. Because it would turn the Mediterranean Security Organization into a joke; not only would the Spaniards harbor resentment towards them, but even the various Italian countries would start doubting France’s capability.

"And without France’s help, Spain is destined to face defeat in South America. Even if they persist in their alliance with France, their national strength would inevitably be greatly weakened, providing an opportunity for the Portuguese to reclaim European territories."

Stock nodded admiringly, and his heart surged with boundless optimism for the Empire’s future.

"Are you Stock, the representative of the West Indian Plantation Owners and Merchants Association?" William Pitt Junior, who had been silent, suddenly looked towards Stock.

"Yes, Prime Minister, I am the secretary-general of the Association."

William Pitt Junior nodded, first praising the West Indian Association, then continued, "You know, this time the Portuguese will deploy substantial forces, and transporting supplies through the jungles of South America is very challenging.

"I hope the Association can leverage your trade channels to provide supplies to Regent King Noan."

Stock promptly bowed slightly, "It is our honor, Prime Minister. As long as there is ample funding, I guarantee the Portuguese army will receive sufficient logistical supplies. Oh, all at the lowest prices."

William Pitt Junior displayed a warm smile, "Funding, of course, the West Indian Association will receive funding, but only after the war is over. I hope you can first provide the necessary materials as a loan."

Without waiting for Stock to object, he immediately added, "You will receive monopoly trade privileges in places like New Granada as compensation."