Chapter 809: Tactics that suit American conditions
Pershing sat forward, closer to Charles, thinking that this would be more intimate.
"I completely agree with you, Lieutenant General." Pershing said sincerely: "But please believe me, I am a professional soldier. I am not like you..."
Pershing flipped his palms in front of him a few times:
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend."
"What I mean is that I am a pure soldier. I have no business identity and I don't cooperate with businessmen."
"So, all I thought about was the battlefield. In other words, winning the battle and bringing those poor kids home."
Pershing stared at Charles with true feelings in his eyes, even with a hint of pleading:
"I know one thing very well. Only your tactics and equipment can do it."
"If you disagree, my troops will undoubtedly suffer heavy casualties on future battlefields."
"Although they will grow up one day, before that, they will most likely need to learn their lesson with their blood and lives!"
Hubbard added:
"We are allies, Lieutenant General. Considering those young lives, please agree to our request."
"And if you do."
"If the U.S. military wins on the battlefield, it will also reduce casualties among the French army. This is our common interest."
"As for commercial competition and technological issues, we guarantee that they will not pose a threat to France."
This was discussed before Pershing and Hubbard came.
You want both Charles' equipment and tactics, and then threaten Charles' interests after learning them. How can such a good thing happen?
What's more, these equipments are Charles' cash cows, and guarding these industrial property rights can make money for at least a dozen years.
Charles would be a fool to sell equipment to the United States, no matter how much money he is offered.
Therefore, if you want to get equipment and tactics, you must show sincerity to protect Charles' interests.
Otherwise, there is no need to discuss anything!
Charles felt that it was easy to negotiate with smart people. They would fully consider their own interests instead of simply lowering the price. "You mean you will respect my 'industrial property rights'?"
Pershing and Hubbard responded in unison:
"Yes, without a doubt."
"certainly!"
Charles asked again: "How can you guarantee it?"
Hubbard immediately handed over another document: "This is the contract, Lieutenant General. If you are willing to sell these equipment, the U.S. government guarantees that it will only purchase the same type of equipment from Bernard Company in the next five years."
This means that even if an American arms company copied Charles' equipment and sold it cheaper, they would not be able to get orders, so the imitation would lose its meaning.
Charles hummed, flipping through the contract.
The contract is very detailed, covering the appearance, parts, functions, etc. of each equipment.
Pershing couldn't wait to get the equipment.
But it’s no wonder.
Once the US military obtains Charles' equipment and tactics, it will be possible for it to leap from a rookie with no combat experience to the second most powerful military after the French army.
At that time, it will be Britain, which is known as the world's number one power, that will fall behind, even if they have combat experience.
etc.
Charles suddenly thought that Pershing's move might have another purpose: to surpass Britain.
If the United States wants to pull Britain down from its position as the world's number one power, besides defeating it on the battlefield, another way is to surpass Britain in military and prestige.
Now is a great opportunity for them.
Very good, let the United States and Britain compete for the first place, and Charles will fan the flames.
This gave Charles another reason to sell his equipment.
But he still looked embarrassed:
"General, I admit that the conditions you offer are very generous, but we do not have sufficient production capacity."
"You know, we suffered heavy losses on the battlefield."
"Almost all the equipment produced was deployed on the battlefield..."
Pershing immediately responded: "We can help France expand its production capacity."
"This is no small problem," said Xiaer. "Equipment production involves many issues, such as coal mines, steel, power stations, and finally the production line."
Pershing did not hesitate at all: "No problem, Lieutenant General. We will ship mining and smelting equipment from the United States to expand production capacity from the raw material level. We will only charge cost price for these equipment, and can even provide France with low-interest loans."
Then he added: "In addition, we plan to equip an armored division and a mechanized division at twice the price."
Only by offering a big enough temptation can Charles agree.
Pershing believed it was all worth it.
The possible reduction in casualties among the US military alone would be enough to offset the extra money spent in compensation.
Charles was secretly delighted. So cooperative?
Without waiting for yourself to raise the price, you just double it?
When Pershing saw that Charles did not respond, his heart skipped a beat again. Could it be that Charles was still not satisfied?
Yes, it's not just a matter of equipment, it's also about tactics. The essence of Charles' tactics cannot be learned by just looking at battle examples.
Pershing hastened to add:
"Of course, I am well aware that equipment alone is not enough."
"Without proper training and guidance, we, with our inexperience, are likely to become another 'Second Special Artillery Division'."
Pershing knew of the 2nd Special Artillery Division, another French unit modeled after Charles's Armored Corps, which had suffered a disastrous defeat on the battlefield.
"So," Pershing said, "I am willing to pay extra for the accompanying tactics and training."
Happiness comes too suddenly.
Tactics and training were supposed to be included with the purchase of equipment, but Pershing was willing to pay for it.
As expected of the world's largest industrial country, being rich means being generous.
But that’s not the point.
Ciel pretended to hesitate, then said calmly: "I have a suggestion, I'm not sure if you agree with it, if I'm wrong..."
Pershing nodded quickly: "Please tell me, Lieutenant General, I will seriously consider whatever it is."
Charles put the coffee cup on the table and glanced at the two of them: "I wonder if you have ever considered that the tactics of each country's army should take into account the different national conditions and have their own characteristics."
Pershing and Hubbard looked at each other. They really hadn't thought about this issue. They just wanted to copy Charles' troops and tactics.
Charles continued to explain:
"Let's make a comparison. France had limited resources because a large amount of its minerals fell into the hands of the Germans during the war. That's why it needed to develop risky tactics. Only in this way could it gain the greatest benefit at the lowest cost."
"But this is not the case in the United States, which has the largest industry and production capacity in the world."
"For you, bullets, shells, and even equipment can crush the enemy."
"So, do you still need to learn the French adventure interlude?"
What Charles meant by this was:
Just pile up the equipment. This is in line with your national conditions, and this is how you will fight in the future.
Of course, after using this tactic, you will need to purchase more than just an armored corps!
(End of this chapter)
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