Chapter 870 Security Issues
Borden wasn't entirely right.
The reason why Charles did not list heavy equipment such as tanks was, firstly, that he thought Canada did not need them very much, and secondly, he wanted to test Canada's cards.
The reason why Canada doesn't really need it is that Canada is on the strategic defensive side and it needs anti-tank guns rather than tanks.
It is said to be a test of the trump card, but Charles hopes to exchange heavy equipment such as tanks for more Canadian resources.
If Borden told Charles clearly:
"I'm sorry, Admiral."
"These equipments are not enough to satisfy us. We also need the production rights for heavy equipment such as tanks and armored vehicles."
"Only in this way can we ensure our own safety and dare to sign a contract with you."
At this time, Charles would immediately add the heavy equipment without saying anything, still at half price, or even give it away for free.
Money is not important. What is important is Canada’s “freedom”. After all, we must “think about problems from a human perspective”.
There is no doubt that Charles is a peace-loving and "fraternity" person.
As for money, once Canada gained independence from Britain, it faced a strong threat from the United States, and its military production could only rely on Charles.
Isn’t it up to Charles to decide the price?
Canada should be grateful for the upgraded tanks, artillery, and aircraft, with some retail added on.
But Borden didn't seem to consider this.
He had long discussions with the Secretary of Defense regarding possible threats from Britain and the United States.
"We must prepare for the worst, Hughes," Borden said, "because we have no capital to take risks. One wrong step could drag Canada into war."
"I know, Prime Minister," Hughes replied:
“But at the same time the opportunity is there.”
"The British army is being held back in France, and the island is being besieged and blockaded by German submarines. It is said that the North Sea is in danger of being breached by the Germans recently."
"Under this circumstance, is it possible that Britain will turn against us? Once we lose this opportunity, it may be difficult for us to escape Britain's control."
Boden nodded in agreement. Although there was a possibility of a fallout, the probability was small.
"Now." Boden pulled the map aside and put it in front of Hughes: "Let's consider the problem of falling out. Can we deal with it?"
Hughes stared at the map for a while and answered confidently: "If we have Camel fighters, I believe we can handle it."
Borden didn't quite understand: "Why a Camel fighter?"
Hughes pointed to the map and explained:
"If they turn against each other, the British will probably send a fleet to deter us."
"But considering that their navy was tied down by the Germans, not many fleets were sent."
"If we have Camels fighting for air superiority, we can make it impossible for British ships to use seaplanes to observe targets or fire their guns."
Borden understood: "Then there is the possibility of another Dardanelles campaign?"
"Yes." Hughes nodded. "We can use mines and coastal defense artillery to ensure that the British army cannot land. Even if they do land, we will beat them back."
Then Hughes added: "It would be nice if there was still a Caproni bomber."
Borden, who was a lawyer by training, was not very sensitive to military matters. He asked confusedly, "Can this bomber destroy a warship?"
"No, not to blow it up, Prime Minister," Hughes replied. "Charles has a bomber that can carry torpedoes and sink warships with them."
Boden said, "Oh," "Just like what they did to the German fleet in the North Sea."
Although he had heard of it, he did not connect the two. It was said that this torpedo plane had sunk a battleship.
"Yes." Hughes said excitedly:
"If we have this torpedo plane, we basically don't have to worry about the threat from the British fleet."
"It can even be said that as long as the British know that we have this aircraft, they will not dare to send a fleet because they cannot form an 'effective deterrent'."
This gave Boden great confidence: "Ask Charles if this bomber can be added."
Soon Charles sent back a telegram:
"This is our newest bomber, Your Excellency, and its operational concept is very advanced."
"Because of concerns about technology leakage, it currently does not authorize production, only sale."
Hughes immediately suggested: "It's okay to buy it. As long as we have this bomber and the matching torpedoes, we can solve the current problem."
Then he added: "This bomber has high technical requirements, as does the torpedo. Even if Charles agrees to authorize production, we won't be able to produce it in a short time."
Boden thought it made sense. The key point was to solve the current urgent problem, so he called and asked, "How much is the unit price?"
"Not expensive." Charles added a little price: "50,000 Canadian dollars per plane, including two torpedoes, and the price of a torpedo is 8,000 Canadian dollars."
This price is not exaggerated. It would cost France about 30,000 Canadian dollars to buy it itself, and 5,000 Canadian dollars for a torpedo.
Hughes looked expectant and said cautiously:
"The price is very fair. We may need 12 aircraft for a squadron, with a total price of 600,000 Canadian dollars."
"In addition, we need to replenish spare torpedoes, spare parts and personnel training, which may cost more than 1 million Canadian dollars."
"But it solves our security problem."
Boden hesitated. More than 1 million Canadian dollars was not a small sum of money for Canada at that time.
But on second thought, with this kind of torpedo plane, Canada could take the minerals back from the British, and after deducting the money paid to Charles, it would still be a sure profit.
What's more, if he could become the person who led Canada away from British control, his reputation would foreseeably soar, and his re-election next year would be a sure thing.
So Boden didn't hesitate and nodded heavily: "You can add it to the list."
Hughes was overjoyed: "This is a wise choice, Prime Minister. Canada will have a first-class air force and even become a military power."
If there is anything missing, it is only equipment such as tanks.
There is no need to worry about the quality of the army. The Canadian army has been tempered by war on the Western Front, and their combat effectiveness is even stronger than that of the British.
The only thing to worry about is how to transport these soldiers back if a fallout occurs.
"If the UK side of the problem is resolved, then the US side of the problem needs to be considered," Boden said.
Hughes' tone suddenly became cautious:
"After the Americans joined the war, they were trained by Ciel himself, and their combat effectiveness improved rapidly."
"Especially since they have an armored division and a mechanized division, each with 27,000 troops."
"In addition, the Americans have recruited millions of troops, who are continuously heading to the Western Front."
Boden's face changed slightly.
Another reason why Canada did not dare to separate from Britain was that it needed to use Britain to balance the United States.
If we fall out with Britain, we will have to face the threat from the United States alone.
So, is now the right time?
(End of this chapter)
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