Chapter 1460 Private Conversation (First update, please subscribe)
The operation failed!
That day, as usual, Sam Max learned the news from his superior when he entered the office of Naval Intelligence.
"Sir, this...how could it be that the operation was leaked?"
Almost instinctively, Sam Michaels asked.
"Accident!"
Colonel Jerry said.
"The intelligence he provided was very accurate, but what he didn't know was that the Empire had strengthened its military deployment in Cuba. They sent two New Germany-class armored cruisers to Cuba, and they unexpectedly encountered the Revenge on the way."
"Could there be such a coincidence?"
Almost instinctively, Sam asked the question directly.
"Indeed, but sometimes many things just happen by coincidence..."
Colonel Jerry continued.
"As early as last year, the Ming army stationed in Cuba repeatedly requested to strengthen Cuba's naval power. At the same time, they also tried to turn Cuba into their maritime fortress in the Caribbean Sea, so this accident happened, but the intelligence was accurate. The Revenge sent out the cargo list of the Apollo. This mission failed, but we can plan it again as long as the intelligence is accurate enough! The only pity is that we lost an auxiliary cruiser."
"Sir, it's not that we lost a ship, but that the Ming Empire gained one! After all, the Revenge has been captured by the Ming Empire."
Colonel Jerry shrugged helplessly at his subordinate's reminder.
"In war, this is inevitable. We have to get used to it."
Then he turned to Sam.
"But compared to an auxiliary cruiser, I am more concerned about the intelligence provided by the "Plum Blossom"!"
"Plum Blossom" is Jin Biyun's code name. Only a handful of people in the whole of Britain know her identity. Even the Prime Minister doesn't know who she is. In the eyes of the Naval Intelligence Agency, "Plum Blossom" is simply the most successful spy in history.
"Intelligence? What intelligence? Another transport ship?"
"No!"
Colonel Jerry shook his head and chuckled.
"This intelligence is crucial and directly related to our next strategic deployment!"
"What kind of information?"
Sam asked in surprise.
"Although this intelligence is not direct intelligence, it shows that the Empire will not launch operations in the South Pacific this year. They will concentrate their forces on attacking the United States this year, while increasing their offensive in Africa. Their goal is to completely squeeze us out of Africa! Especially South Africa!"
When talking about South Africa, Jieduan said.
"As long as they occupy southern Africa, our connection with Australia and India will fall into some kind of difficulty, and our merchant ships will lose the port for replenishing coal and water. So, from a strategic point of view, occupying Cape Town is equivalent to cutting off our maritime supply line to a certain extent! And..."
He said while looking at his trusted subordinate Jerry.
"They'll attack us from behind!"
From behind us!
Sam was surprised.
"My God, a landing? We don't have enough troops in Cape Town to resist their attack. The main force there is in the north..."
"That's why this information is so important!"
Jerry said smugly.
"This will even be intelligence that will change the war! Now, this intelligence has been delivered to the Prime Minister. I believe they will make a judgment based on the changes in the situation."
After that, Jerry stood up and walked to the wine cabinet, took out a bottle of whiskey, and poured two glasses.
"Sam, let's celebrate our outstanding work together."
…
Amid the clinking of glasses, Robert Gascoigne-Cecil, the wartime Prime Minister of the British Empire and the Marquis of Salisbury, toasted with his nephew Arthur Balfour, and after taking a sip of whiskey, Cecil said.
"So, do you think now is the time to break the deadlock?"
"Yes, uncle. The predicament we are in now is actually not much different from the past. A considerable part of the huge fleet we have built is used for maritime escort, because the empire needs supplies from the colonies, and our main fleet can only deter the French fleet that does not seem to exist in the mainland."
Arthur Balfour said this because 70% of the French fleet's strength was in the Mediterranean, while what about the British Empire? 70% of its strength was in the mainland, and only 10% of its strength was in the Mediterranean.
"Indeed, the French fleet is almost entirely in the Mediterranean! If the Atlantic is our lifeline, then the Mediterranean is France's lifeline. They need supplies from Africa, and we are at an absolute disadvantage there. In order to ensure our maritime security, we have to maintain a strong fleet on the mainland. After all, there are only two fleets in the Atlantic, the Royal Navy and the Imperial Navy."
Cecil sighed helplessly.
"Before the war broke out, we never thought that the Great White Fleet would be solved by a group of toy-like planes. Without the balance of the US Navy, the Imperial Navy became a powerful enemy that we had to face directly."
"Yes. The situation has changed."
Belfort took a bite of his veal chop and said.
"This is the most embarrassing part. Our seemingly huge fleet cannot be used on the battlefield where it is urgently needed. We can only stay in the port and do nothing. In order to stop the distant imperial fleet, we not only failed to trap the enemy, but trapped ourselves instead."
Putting down the knife and fork in his hand, Belfort said in a serious tone.
"For the British Empire, the current stalemate is extremely fatal, especially under the current situation. We and our allies are at a disadvantage on all battlefields, including the French battlefield. It seems to be a stalemate, but in fact we are at a disadvantage. After all, we have concentrated the power of two countries. Uncle, if we don't find a way to break the stalemate, the war will show a trend that is unfavorable to us from the end of this year to next year."
Cecil deeply agreed with Balfour's warning. Although Balfour was his nephew, to a certain extent, he was also his political heir and a family member whom he had focused on promoting over the years.
The reason why he promoted Belfort was not only because he was a family member, but more importantly because of Belfort's talent. Otherwise, with so many family members, there was no need for him to choose Belfort.
Although Belfort is still very young, he can always provide some useful advice and opinions.
"Indeed, then, Arthur, do you have any good suggestions?"
"Now, we have a chance."
Belfort said.
"Warfare will fundamentally change if we seize the opportunity!"
"Chance, what kind of chance?"
Selsi looked at his nephew with some confusion. At least for now, he really didn't see any chance.
"Uncle, given the current situation, all we want is to win at all costs. To win, we can use any means necessary, and of course we can negotiate with our enemies."
Negotiate with our enemies!
In just a moment, Selsi knew what his nephew was thinking. He looked at Balfour in surprise and thought for a while.
"My God! Do you know what will happen if this news gets out?"
In response to his uncle's reminder, Belf spoke directly.
"What will be the consequences? It will only cause a huge uproar, but by then they will all know very well that this is our best option to win the war."
Looking at Belfort's confident look, Selsi reminded him.
"But you also have to know that if the news gets out before it succeeds, it is likely to cause a political uproar, and politicians will have to pay a certain price for such a decision."
"Then just don't let outsiders know."
Belfort said with a smile.
"Like right now, this is just a private conversation between us."
The old group is down, so I created a new book club group: 739209015. Everyone is welcome to join and discuss and deduce the plot together.
(End of this chapter)
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