Chapter 802 This is what you asked me for
What General Winter didn't expect was that all this was a trap set by Charles for the British Royal Navy.
The rumor about "anti-aircraft machine gun" was spread by Charles, otherwise General Winter would not have known that Charles had a new type of anti-aircraft weapon.
"This is indeed a problem." Charles thought thoughtfully: "Once we lose control of the Port of Bergen, what we lose is not just a port, but the entire Northern Europe."
But there is a more important point that Charles did not mention: Britain will lose its reputation as the world's strongest navy, which is what Britain cannot tolerate the most.
"Yes." General Winter held the sketch reluctantly:
"I know you're in a difficult position, Lieutenant General, but we really need this equipment."
"I promise you that we will keep it secret and will never let it fall into the hands of the Germans."
Ciel said firmly:
"That is impossible, General."
"I will not base the safety of the French Air Corps or even France on my trust in you."
"As much as I'd like to believe you, this isn't just about me."
General Winter was silent, and finally nodded helplessly: "I understand."
Just when General Winter was in despair, Charles changed the subject: "However, I have an idea that may change the situation."
"What?" General Winter's hope was rekindled.
"Cooperate, General," said Charles.
"Just like our 'echo sounder' is also a piece of equipment that cannot be sold, but we have cooperated happily with your fleet."
"Why don't we use the same approach and have the French fleet participate in the blockade of Bergen Harbor."
General Winter immediately agreed, pointing his finger in the air:
"That's a good idea, Admiral."
"The French fleet will help us shoot down those bombers or drive them away."
"Then we will have control over the port of Bergen and the shipping lanes."
Having taken the bait, Charles was overjoyed, but his expression remained calm:
"Yes, but the problem is that Antwerp is at least 550 nautical miles (about 1,000 kilometers) from the port of Biel."
"How can the French fleet travel back and forth between the two places to carry out its mission?"
Admiral Winter blurted out: "They don't need to do that, they can dock at Lerwick in the Shetland Islands."
(The picture above shows the Port of Lerwick in the Shetland Islands, which is the largest port on the main island of the Shetland Islands and the northernmost major deep-water port in the UK)
At this time, Charles hesitated: "Is it okay? I mean, the French Navy docked in British ports and interfered with the Royal Navy's affairs..."
What do other countries think of this?
The Royal Navy needs help from the French Navy?
Where is the face of the British Royal Navy!
General Winter thought of this problem only after hearing what Charles said.
He hesitated for a moment, but then he thought: Without the help of the French Navy, the Royal Navy would eventually have to withdraw from the port of Bergen. Wouldn't that be more respectable?
Therefore, General Winter did not hesitate: "It should be no problem, Lieutenant General, we are allies. Just like the British Army landed on French soil to fight, the French Navy can certainly dock at British ports to cooperate with the Royal Navy in combat."
"That's what I thought," Charles replied. "But do you need to contact the Lord Admiral or Lord Munitions Minister to get their approval?"
Ciel said indifferently: "I don't mind, it's normal."
"Yes, of course, I'll contact them right away," General Winter replied, standing up and greeting Charles.
Charles raised his eyebrows and drank his coffee as if nothing had happened, but he secretly glanced at General Winter as he walked towards the telecommunications room.
Charles was acting. He was hinting to General Winter: It is you who need me for something, not me who wants to go.
General Winter stayed in the communications room for a long time, as if London was hesitating.
…
War Office Building, London.
The Minister of Munitions and the First Lord of the Admiralty were in a rare position to discuss the issue from the same perspective.
The Minister of Munitions objected:
"We can't let the French Navy join. This is not only a matter of face, but also suppressing the French Navy."
"Under Charles' leadership, the French Navy will grow into something more formidable than the German Navy."
“And now we are asking them to dock at Lerwick, the most important port for blockading the North Sea!”
The Navy Minister frowned and replied:
"I know."
"But can we refuse? If we refuse, what will be waiting for us?"
"If we lose the port of Bel, the Germans will then use Bel as a base to blockade the port of Trondheim, sir!"
(The red circles in the above picture indicate the locations of the Port of Trondheim and the Port of Bergen, which are also the third and second largest cities in Norway)
The Lord Admiral took a few steps in front of his desk, paused, and continued:
“You know they could do it because the German bombers were seaplanes and they could get supplies from the port of Bergen.”
"Then the Germans, with the supplies, would produce more planes and more torpedoes."
"Then it will be us who will be blocked, not the Germans. In this direction, they don't even need submarines!"
The Quartermaster General was stunned.
This means that trade with Northern Europe and even Russia will be cut off.
This was like adding insult to injury for Britain, which was already short of supplies, while Germany was able to obtain more supplies.
The rise and fall of one side may even affect the outcome of the war.
Looking at the helpless Minister of Munitions, the Minister of the Navy spread his hands and ordered the signalman: "Agree to General Winter's request, but we need the French fleet to obey our command."
…
Bizossi training base.
More than forty minutes later, General Winter came out of the telecommunications room, feeling relieved.
"They agree, Lieutenant General," said General Winter.
"What?" Charles, who was reading a newspaper, pretended to have forgotten about it. He said "Oh" when he saw General Winter: "Are you talking about cooperation? Did they agree?"
"Yes." General Winter nodded excitedly, but there was a trace of worry in his eyes: "But Minister of the Navy, I have a request..."
"Request?" Charles looked at General Winter in disbelief.
"Are you mistaken, General?"
"This has nothing to do with the French Navy. Our fleet only needs to defend Antwerp."
"I mean, that's your business. The French fleet is helping you as an ally, and you're making demands?"
"Shouldn't we be the ones making the demands? For example, the fleet's fuel, ammunition replenishment, possible casualties and losses, etc."
General Winter blushed at what Charles said: "It seems that it is indeed not appropriate. I will go talk to them again!"
Charles chased after General Winter, "And there are subsidies for the navy, General. They are different from the army."
General Winter didn't look back, but raised his hand and made an "OK" gesture.
(End of this chapter)
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