Chapter 805 Rental Relationship
Four "Lukes Ensign" type warships arrived at the port of Brest three days later.
Charles ordered Darlan to take charge of this "reinforcement fleet" and at the same time sent the "Oerlikon" anti-aircraft machine gun to the port of Brest and informed it of its main task.
Then he added cryptically in the telegram: "We only have a lease relationship with the UK. We don't need to take too much risk. Do you understand?"
"Understood, General." Darlan, who had been promoted to naval captain during the naval battle, replied.
Darlan was the future acting prime minister, foreign minister, navy minister and interior minister.
The reason why he was able to successfully ascend to power was not only because of his military talent, but also because of his political skills.
So when he received Charles' telegram, he immediately understood its meaning:
The French fleet does not need to work for the British fleet. The British Royal Fleet is a potential enemy of the French fleet. Now is a good opportunity to use the crisis created by the German fleet to weaken the British Royal Fleet.
And effective anti-aircraft firepower is a threat to Britain.
However, Darlan was still a little worried. After thinking for a while, he sent a telegram to Charles: "Four warships are too few, General. They are too thin even as a lever. I am worried that they cannot pry more benefits. In addition, the four German warships may not be able to withstand the attack of 36 seaplanes."
When Charles saw this, he knew that Darlan had understood what he meant. Having a smart subordinate meant less worry, and now a commander like him was needed to stand alone in the Shetland Islands.
Charles called back: "You should talk to the British about the problem of insufficient number of warships."
Darlan immediately understood that this was an issue that the British needed to be more concerned about.
"As expected of Charles!" Darlan secretly praised, "He easily took away the Toulon fleet's newest destroyers and even ordered those that were under construction."
If the "Looks Ensign" type is useful, the British will obviously not be satisfied with the existing 8 ships, they need more.
As long as the British need it, they will definitely transfer the "Lukes Flag" to the Brest Shipyard.
The reason is simple. Currently, only Charles has the "Oerlikon" anti-aircraft machine gun in the world, and only this type of machine gun can effectively defend against air attacks.
Soon, Darlan received another telegram from Charles: "As for the German bombers, you don't need to worry too much. I guess the German bombers are unlikely to attack French warships. I mean, if they know that the French warships are equipped with new anti-aircraft guns."
Darlang was so shocked that he was stunned and kept his mouth open for a long time without reacting.
He was completely convinced by Charles's methods.
Yes, as long as the word gets out that French warships are equipped with new anti-aircraft machine guns and deployed in the North Sea, German bombers would be foolish to confront warships flying the French flag.
The bomber target is so large that when dropping torpedoes, you need to face the side in front of its firepower, and you have to fly at low altitude, low speed, and in a straight line.
Wouldn't that just be a target for the new anti-aircraft firepower?
More importantly, Germany's main target at sea was Britain and the Royal Navy. Why would it attack French warships for no reason?
Therefore, during the war, the Germans would tacitly avoid French warships and attack British warships.
Darlan held the telegram and sighed: "No wonder Charles has developed to this point in just two years. The Minister of the Navy, Britain, and even Germany are all giving him benefits!"
…
The port of Dunkirk.
Kitchener was at the harbor early in the morning with his guards and military band ready.
Today is the day that General Pershing, commander of the American Expeditionary Force, arrives.
Although Pershing was only a brigadier general, based on the principle of rank equality between the British and American armies, Kitchener was several levels higher than Pershing.
But that’s not how it actually works.
Britain has always relied on supplies and loans from the United States to survive until now, otherwise it would have been dragged down by the war long ago.
At the same time, the Allies also needed American troops.
To be precise, Britain was in great need of it. Only if the United States sent troops to inject fresh blood into the British Expeditionary Force would it be possible to defeat France.
Otherwise, even if there is compensation during the armistice negotiations, France will gain the most benefits.
As Kitchener was walking aimlessly in the sea breeze, the staff officer hurried over and reported from a distance of more than ten meters: "Marshal, the ship is coming, confirmed to be the Majestic."
Kitchener hurriedly stopped and changed direction towards the port.
The military band played "Land of Hope and Glory", an ode that Elgar had composed for the coronation of King Edward VII.
Kitchener chose this song to refer to the American troops setting foot on this land of hope and glory.
Pershing and his assistant slowly walked down the gangway. When he went ashore, he walked very slowly, as if he had not yet adapted to the non-shaking land.
Kitchener rushed forward and shook Pershing's hand enthusiastically:
"Welcome, Commodore."
"At the same time, we also welcome the United States to join the Allied camp."
"This is absolutely the right choice. Germany is the common enemy of mankind. We will not allow this kind of hegemony to continue to destroy lives in the civilized world!"
Just yesterday, the United States officially declared war on Germany and joined the Allied Powers.
Pershing hummed and saluted Kitchener: "It is an honor to join you, Your Excellency the Field Marshal."
There was something disgusting about the way he said this.
While on the ship, Pershing read a lot of intelligence and knew that the British army was on the brink of collapse.
The collapse was not caused by the Germans, but by the fact that many colonial troops wanted to join the French army and fight under Charles' command.
This was absolutely unacceptable to the British Expeditionary Force, so they regarded it as a rebellion and suppressed this "turmoil" with brutal means.
As Pershing got into the car, Kitchener handed over a document:
"Everything is arranged, Commodore."
"The training base, instructors, supplies, and equipment are waiting for you to send the troops over."
"I am confident that with our joint efforts we can easily win the victory. After all, the Germans are already at the end of their strength."
Pershing opened the file bag and took a look, noting the name of the chief instructor: "Lieutenant General Ives?"
"Yes." Kitchener raised his head forward.
Lieutenant General Ivis, who was sitting in the co-pilot seat, turned around and extended his hand: "Hello, Brigadier General, I am Chief Instructor Ivis, I hope we can have a pleasant cooperation!"
Pershing shook hands with him politely and seemed to understand Kitchener's meaning.
The rank of the chief instructor is usually no higher than that of the expeditionary force commander.
For example, since Pershing was a brigadier general, Kitchener should have assigned a colonel as chief instructor.
In addition to being responsible for the training of the US military, this colonel can also serve as Pershing's staff and provide combat plans and opinions during wartime.
But now Kitchener assigned a lieutenant general.
A lieutenant general two ranks higher than Pershing.
Does this mean that the American Expeditionary Force will follow the command of Lieutenant General Elvis from now on?
A sneer unconsciously appeared on Pershing's lips.
These guys, the means and ideas they use to seize power are much more sophisticated than those on the battlefield!
(End of this chapter)
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