Chapter 888 Control of the Battle Situation
British Expeditionary Force Headquarters, Saarburg.
The Kitchener incident threw Haig off balance, and the collapse of the "Anti-Charles Alliance" allowed Pershing's theory to prevail.
To be precise, even Baker did not believe that without the cooperation of other countries, Britain and the United States would be able to break through the defense line and win on their own.
"So, what do we need?" Baker asked Pershing for his opinion for the first time.
"A lot." Pershing looked worried.
"We need to gain air superiority, and that can only be achieved with the Snipe."
"In addition, we also need 'Char B1' tanks and matching armored bridge-laying vehicles."
"We also need truck guns, 105MM truck guns. Only it can suppress the German artillery."
This is a complete combat system, and each part is indispensable. Otherwise, a defense line that could have been easily passed would actually require piles of lives.
Haig remained silent.
If the US military can get these things, let them do it, it will be beneficial to the offense anyway.
Baker thought for a while, nodded and said, "No problem, I'll contact the Bernard Group!"
Although the United States and Charles are potential rivals, the United States provided Charles with a loan, which he could not refuse.
…
Charles used the "Lady in White" to spread the news in society:
"Have you heard? The U.S. military may want to buy more advanced equipment from Shire."
"Isn't this as it should be? America is our ally, and Ciel has the most advanced equipment."
“Yeah, this could be another big deal!”
…
These words soon reached the ears of opposition members.
Opposition MPs and capitalists tend to oppose anything that is beneficial to Charles.
Therefore, before Baker made clear his intention to purchase, the parliament started discussing the matter:
"We believe that the Bernard Group's power to trade in arms abroad should be restricted."
"This is not just a business issue, it also involves national security. Although they are Charles' technology and equipment, they represent the highest technology in France."
"If we allow the Bernard Group to sell these technologies and equipment, even if they are our allies, they may flow to our enemies and become weapons to attack us."
…
The Char Party MPs objected loudly:
"No, the most important thing is the war at hand. We need to support our allies in defeating the Germans."
"Our equipment is exported to the United States, which is a trustworthy ally."
"They have no reason to leak equipment and technology to the enemy. This is a shameless slander!"
…
Obviously there are more supporters because part of the opposition is controlled by American capital and they stand on Baker's side hoping that the US military can get advanced equipment.
However, just when everyone thought the proposal would be rejected, the voting results were surprising.
The opposition actually won, and the proposal to restrict Bernard Group's exports to the United States was passed, and the number of votes in favor was much greater than expected.
What's going on? !
…
At that time, Pershing found Charles with a list.
"If you are unable to attack with us, I hope you can provide us with equipment support, Lieutenant General."
Pershing believed that Charles would not refuse. This was a big deal, involving a large number of planes, tanks and cannons.
Pershing even hoped to form an aviation regiment and two motorized divisions.
Charles took the list and readily agreed: "Of course, Brigadier General, no one would refuse the opportunity to make a fortune."
In fact, this is not in Charles's interest.
At the Shire's level, what matters is not just money, but regional balance.
On the North American continent, the United States has much stronger productivity than Canada and a larger population.
This "undermines the regional balance and is not conducive to peace and stability in North America", so Charles needs to suppress the United States and support Canada.
Charles has control over the equipment, and he can ensure that Canada's equipment is always ahead of the United States.
So, Canada can have the Camel fighter and the Char B2, as well as production licenses for various equipment, but the United States cannot.
Of course, Charles wouldn't say that to Pershing.
Charles even began to consider production capacity issues:
"An aviation regiment's 'Sniper' fighters may not be a problem, but 100 'Char B2's may be difficult."
"If there is no other option, we can only withdraw the equipment of the First Armored Army."
“Since it’s second-hand, I can sell it at half the price.”
"Thank you very much, Lieutenant General." Pershing did not suspect anything.
However, the staff officer handed Charles a telegram: "General, there was a call from the town of Darvaz, and they received a notice to 'restrict the military exports of the Bernard Group.'"
"What?" Charles' face changed. He took the telegram, took a look at it, and then handed it to Pershing.
"I'm very sorry, General." Charles said, "We seem to be a step late. They are worried that the export of equipment will threaten national security."
Pershing took the telegram and, since it was written in French, he handed it to the translator for interpretation.
After listening, he said nervously: "Lieutenant General, without these equipment, I don't even know how to fight this battle."
This is the truth.
The U.S. military had no combat experience before this, and all the existing experience was gained when Charles had air superiority and even absolute artillery advantage.
Suddenly, air supremacy was uncertain, there was no air support, the 105mm truck gun was out of reach, and the tanks were still at the "Charter A1" level...
Such a battle is almost a death sentence.
Charles said he could do nothing to help: "As I said, attacking the Hindenburg Line in the current situation is not a wise choice."
Pershing grimaced.
It’s not that he doesn’t know this, but the military must be subordinate to politics. What can he do?
"Like this." Charles suggested: "I may not be able to do anything in other directions, but in terms of air supremacy..."
Charles hesitated a little:
"Our fighter planes will patrol the air and put pressure on the Germans."
"Although I don't agree with this battle, we are still enemies with Germany."
"They will keep your airspace safe and provide you with information when necessary. What do you think?"
Pershing quickly responded: "Of course, Lieutenant General, thank you very much!"
Charles was a friend worth making close friends with, Pershing thought. He knew that Britain and the United States were joining forces to suppress France, but he still did his best to help the U.S. military.
What Pershing didn't know was that Charles had deeper considerations for doing this:
The French Air Force only agreed to help the US military and not the British military. So will there be problems with the coordination between the British and American militaries?
Although the US military has separated from the French command system, there is still cooperation between them. Will this deepen the contradictions between the British and American command levels?
Due to the information gap between the two armies, will there be more cases of the US military "disobeying the British command", thus intensifying the conflict?
Therefore, the French Air Force was nominally ensuring the U.S. military's air superiority, but in reality it was Charles's control over the war situation.
(End of this chapter)
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