Chapter 445: Distinguishing Public and Private Affairs
Albert I did this precisely out of Belgium's interests and political considerations.
Albert I believed that Charles was a businessman and a capitalist, and the purpose of businessmen was more to make profits, which was much easier and simpler. At least he would not be like Britain and France who always wanted to interfere in Belgium’s internal affairs or even control Belgium.
And Albert I only had to deal with Charles, not a group of greedy and unscrupulous politicians from England and France.
More importantly, if Charles wanted, he only needed an order to withdraw his troops, and the areas that Belgium had just recovered would immediately be in danger again.
Only Charles can do this, and Britain and France are helpless.
Therefore, even though General Winter offered generous conditions and proposed to donate an artillery production line, Albert I chose to refuse without hesitation.
Afterwards, Colonel Eden talked about this with Albert I, who was a little worried: "As far as I know, Charles also bought British artillery, and this kind of artillery does not seem to be suitable for the fortress."
Most of the artillery in the Belgian forts was imported from Germany.
Germany put some thought into it back then. The artillery exported to Belgium was the export version. The 150MM artillery had a range of barely 10 kilometers, and the range of the 120MM artillery was actually almost the same as the French 75 gun, which was only 8.5 kilometers.
Therefore, if the plan is to build the defense system that Charles mentioned, it is imperative to replace these artillery pieces.
Colonel Eden asked Charles for data on the artillery he was producing and learned that the range of the 6-inch 26-cwt howitzer was only 10.4 kilometers.
"This is not much different from the artillery we use now, Your Majesty," said Colonel Eden. "If we change to such artillery, it seems that we will not have much need."
"But it is more powerful than the artillery we already have," Albert I objected.
"Indeed, sire," Colonel Eden replied, "but we use it in fortifications rather than in attacking enemy positions, so it is more about range than power."
Albert I was silent.
What Colonel Eden said was true. The greater function of the fortress was to keep the enemy's artillery out of range, so the range was more important.
But after some consideration, Albert I suddenly had an idea: "Why don't we add 'Saint Chamon'? Just like Charles said, we should have both offensive and defensive capabilities!"
This reminded Colonel Eden, who thought for a moment and agreed: "You are right, Your Majesty, the Saint-Chamond is an offensive artillery, which can form a perfect combination with the immobile fortress to strike the invading enemy artillery. Very good idea!"
Then it was settled.
Although Charles's artillery was not perfect, Albert I would do everything he could to make it perfect.
This is a bit far-fetched, but Albert I believed that it had to be done. He was protecting Charles' interests while also ensuring the interests of Belgium.
In addition, Albert I decided that all Charles products, whether for civilian or military use, would be tax-free.
At least it cannot change during the ten years that Charles has been building the defense system for Belgium.
We are about to purchase the "Saint-Etienne 2" machine gun, which is a magic weapon to enhance the firepower of infantry. It would be best if Charles could set up the factory in Belgium.
The plot of land in Antwerp is not big enough, so find another one...
…
Charles, who was commanding in the fortress, did not think so much. His focus was always on the battle at hand. He could not relax until the Germans surrendered.
"The biggest danger of the encirclement is night fighting." Charles pointed to the map and analyzed: "Armored units can hardly fight at night."
Tijani smiled and said, "A unit that cannot fight at night defeated the Germans at night, twice."
Charles was stunned, and then he remembered that he had asked Christine to use the "Saint-Samond M21" to raid the German 1st Tank Division at night in Cambrai.
Tijani included this matter.
"It's a different time now, General." Charles replied, "The previous victory was more due to catching the enemy off guard, and the armored forces didn't actually play a big role."
“I know.” Tijani nodded. “But I don’t think we need to worry too much about this because we have Molotov cocktails.”
Seeing Charles's puzzled look, Tijani added:
"Yes, I popularized it to the 9th Army. They prepared a lot of these things. If the Germans attack at night, do you know what will happen?"
"The Molotov cocktails would illuminate the advancing Germans, who would be shot to pieces by our machine guns on the other side of the barbed wire."
"Oh, by the way. I heard that General Foch also urgently replenished a batch of 'Saint-Etienne 2' machine guns."
"It was my suggestion, you're welcome!"
Tijani felt that he had brought business to Charles, and it was a big business.
One day, Foch's Northern Army Group will be fully equipped with "Saint-Étienne 2".
But Charles didn't care at all: "You think I need to thank you? 'Saint-Etienne 2' is in short supply now!"
Others are scrambling to get something, and they still need your help to sell it?
Foch's 9th Army was specially approved because of the emergency situation of the war, otherwise it would not have been his turn.
“Okay!” Tijani rolled his eyes. “Forget it!”
Then Charles reminded: "Have you ever thought about one thing, General? Molotov cocktails are too simple. If we can use them, the Germans can use them too. Throwing them into the trenches will cause more harm. If there are many Molotov cocktails in the trenches..."
The smile on Tijani's face froze, and he nodded immediately, "I'll call Lieutenant General Savinian right away."
Ciel said "hmm" and turned his gaze back to the map.
He believed that as long as the 9th Army was prepared, the encirclement would be basically no problem.
The most embarrassing thing for the German army was that even if they succeeded in breaking through, they could not run far overnight. As soon as daybreak came, they would be caught up by the armored forces in the open area, and a massacre would follow.
At this time, a guard stepped forward and reported: "Brigadier General, General Winter wants to see you."
Charles was stunned. Shouldn't he stay away from others after doing something wrong? He actually came to him on his own initiative!
After letting General Winter in, Charles' first question was, "Are you here to apologize?"
"Apologize? No, Brigadier General." General Winter said calmly, "I just came to see my friend. I heard that he just won a great victory. The whole world is talking about him. I am proud of him."
Charles laughed: "You are also quite accomplished in the area of 'shamelessness'."
"That's because I know I did nothing wrong, Brigadier General." General Winter looked around the fortress and unceremoniously dragged a chair over to sit down in front of Charles. "I'm British, and I have to consider her interests from the British perspective. This has nothing to do with our friendship. We must keep public and private affairs separate, don't you agree?"
"Interesting." Charles put the pencil in his hand on the table, stared at General Winter expressionlessly, and asked word by word: "I want to know, are you considering it from the perspective of Britain or from the perspective of the 'Secretary of the Navy'? In addition, what benefits have you gained?"
(End of this chapter)
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