Anti-Japanese War: The whole world is a base vehicle

Chapter 124 Isn’t this a legitimate reason?
"Damn it, why would I be scared?" Redel felt a little irritated, and the anger in his heart seemed to be ignited in an instant.

In his opinion, he would be afraid? This is simply nonsense.

He just didn't want the soldiers to sacrifice meaninglessly.

What is fear? It is impossible.

Throughout his military career, the word fear had never really occupied his heart.

"Port Oran is in the Mediterranean Sea. Even if we want to rescue them, we are powerless." Redel spread his hands with a helpless look on his face.

His words were full of determination. It was not that he was unwilling to rescue, but that they simply did not have the ability to rescue.

The situation in the Mediterranean is complex and changeable, with various uncertainties intertwined, forcing him to carefully consider every decision.

"What if the Italian Navy is also willing to go out?" asked Marshal Keitel.

There was a hint of expectation in his eyes, as if he saw a glimmer of hope.

Hearing this, Redel was stunned and looked at the other party in surprise.

Various possibilities flashed through his mind quickly, and the involvement of the Italian Navy might indeed change the situation.

But he also knows that the strength and combat capability of the Italian Navy have always been questioned. Can they really play a key role in this crisis?
Raeder fell into deep thought. He began to reassess the entire situation and weigh the pros and cons of the Italian Navy's deployment.

If the Italian Navy could cooperate with the German Navy, it might be possible to successfully rescue the French warships in the port of Oran.

But at the same time, he was also worried that the unreliability of the Italian Navy would bring greater risks to the entire operation.

Raeder frowned, knowing that this decision was not easy to make. He needed to consider various factors, including the strength of both sides, the feasibility of the battle plan, and the possible risks.

At this critical moment, every decision may affect the direction of the entire war.

Raeder was silent for a moment, then slowly said: "The participation of the Italian Navy may indeed bring some changes, but we cannot rely on them alone. We need to make a more thorough plan to ensure the success of the operation."

Field Marshal Keitel nodded, he understood Raeder's concerns. They all knew that this rescue operation was full of challenges and risks, but they could not sit idly by.

They must do their best to provide support to the troops trapped in the port of Oran.

So, the two began to discuss the specific action plan in depth, consider various possible situations, and formulate corresponding response strategies.

They knew that this rescue operation would be a difficult battle, but they also firmly believed that as long as they worked together, they would be able to overcome difficulties and achieve victory.

the other side,
Ciano, who had just got off the plane, stood on the land of Berlin, his eyes slowly scanning the surrounding scenery, his heart filled with extremely complicated emotions.

Recalling the end of World War I, Germany was so extremely weak, while Italy at that time could proudly declare itself to be the third most powerful country in Europe, far more powerful than Germany.

Later, his father-in-law reached the pinnacle of power and became the most powerful man in Italy.

They are even known as the initiators of all changes, and Germany was their younger brother at the time.

However, the situation has now changed dramatically.

Italy, the former "big boss", has to face the reality of giving up its throne.

Because Germany has risen strongly, their military strength far exceeds that of Italy.

Thinking of this, Ciano could not help but recall the time when the leader of Germany made a special trip to Rome to visit his father-in-law.

At that time, Germany was their younger brother, and even he could teach the other side a lesson.

But now, the situation has completely reversed and Germany has completely defeated France.

There were even rumors that Germany was about to launch a landing operation on the British Isles.

Germany was about to become the overlord of the European continent, while Italy seemed to be lukewarm.

Italy's Mussolini was anxious.

Because he needs to think about how to gain enough benefits for Italy in this war?

It was based on this idea that, under Ciano's persuasion, Mussolini agreed to let the other party go to Berlin.

The purpose is to obtain certain benefits.

He knew that without the German army's approval, it would not be easy for them to obtain these benefits.

The German army has proved with its strength that they are the ones with the most say in continental Europe.

Sitting in the car, Ciano was still racking his brains to think about how to fight for Italy's interests.

"Marshal Keitel, nice to meet you." At the entrance of the Berlin High Command, Keitel was waiting quietly at the end of the red carpet.

As soon as they met, Ziano was the first to extend his hand and expressed his emotion.

Keitel used to be an unknown little person, but now he has become a powerful figure.

Even I was respectful to him.

"Nice to meet you too, Count Ciano," Keitel said with a smile.

Ciano was very satisfied to see that Keitel did not show any rebelliousness.

He originally thought that he would be humiliated, and he would not be able to bear even the sarcasm.

After all, he was a noble, Foreign Minister, and Mussolini’s son-in-law.

"I didn't expect that Germany actually defeated Britain and France. I wonder what your country's next plan is?" After some casual chat, Ciano asked directly.

Hearing this, Keitel chuckled. They had already discussed it before the other party came. Italy definitely came here to ask them for something.

It just so happened that the German army also needed their help, so he was waiting for the other side to speak first.

The main reason is that Italy does not attach much importance to European interests. Their real target is North Africa, which is an Italian colony.

Or it can be said that since ancient times, after all, Italy has always considered itself the successor of the Holy Roman Empire.

The fact that Britain and France once joined forces to force Italy to cede the Liberian oil fields is something that all Italians feel resentful of.

That incident has always been regarded as a shame by Mussolini, so he is eager to get back at the person.

Not to mention, Ciano had invested a lot of money in the exploration of the oil field.

He could have become a billionaire directly, but now his income is far below his expectations, so he is naturally very dissatisfied.

"Does your country want to take back the oil fields in Liberia?" Keitel's words made Ciano silent.

He came here this time with this idea in mind, but unfortunately Italy's strength was still too weak.

Seeing the other party's silence, Keitel continued, "I suggest that we organize a ground force to land in North Africa, seize all of this area, control Egypt, control the Suez Canal, and bring the entire Mediterranean under our control."

Keitel's words not only scared Ciano, but also the Italian officers next to him.

This plan is really ambitious.

If this could really be achieved, wouldn't it be the revival of the Holy Roman Empire?
But it is impossible to win the battle relying on the Italian army alone. They might even lose more.

If the German army wanted to defeat the British army, it had to take action personally.

For a moment, the entire conference room fell completely calm, and everyone held their breath, waiting for Ciano to make a decision.

Finally, after a while, Ciano took a deep breath. "You are right. We do want to take control of the entire Mediterranean."

Hearing this, Keitel was not surprised. If he couldn't even guess this, he might as well quit his job as Chief of the General Staff.

"We in Germany will send an expeditionary force of about 100,000 people. Of course, I hope that our commander will lead this war."

Seeing that the other party agreed, Keitel asked for command again.

Ciano was naturally unwilling to do this. Although he knew that his own army was in a weak position, he must not show weakness at this time.

The deputy envoy next to him winked at him desperately, hoping that he would agree.

After all, only our own people understand the combat effectiveness of our own troops. If we can't even defeat the natives in the colonies, how can we fight the British army?

"No, I want us to direct this war." Ciano refused immediately.

After hearing this, the deputy envoy felt choked and thought, he was doomed.

There is no doubt that they will not be able to win.

"Okay, in that case, leave the French troops in the west to us." Keitel didn't care. If he didn't give it to them now, he would beg them for command in the future.

What's more, there are many oil fields in the French colonies in the west.

In particular, Algeria also has rich oil fields. If they are taken over and exploited, it can also alleviate the fuel crisis.

This is the information provided by Lu Yuhua.

The German army did not believe it at first, but when Lu Yuhua said that the oil fields discovered in Italy were provided by him, the German army had to believe it.

Therefore, this meeting was facilitated by several reasons, not just a simple naval alliance.

Of course, this is only one aspect.

Although they are allies, they each have their own little thoughts.

Seeing that Keitel agreed, Ciano always felt something was wrong, but he didn't think much about it.

"However, there is still a problem that needs to be solved, and that is the Island of Malta. If we don't take it, our logistical supply lines will be under threat from the British army at any time." Keitel pointed to the Island of Malta on the map and said to Ciano.

"So I suggest that we organize paratroopers to raid Malta and take control of the island. At the same time, both sides send out all warships to form a joint fleet to eliminate the Royal Mediterranean Fleet." Keitel began to instill his military ideas into Ciano.

In a word, he wants command.

There was nothing wrong with the plan, especially the German army's parachute landing in the Netherlands and conquering the Netherlands in one fell swoop, which made Italy see the gap between the two sides, so he had no objection to the military.

But he really didn't want to give up the command.

"If you agree, once we take over North Africa, we will give up our share of the Liberian oil fields and hand them all over to your country." Keitel once again put forward an attractive condition.

Hearing this, Ziano thought about it and then agreed.

He weighed the pros and cons in his mind. Although he was somewhat reluctant to give up command, the temptation of the Liberian oil fields was too great.

He also knew that with the strength of the Italian army, it would be difficult to win the war without the command of the German army.

So, Ciano decided to take a gamble, believing that the strength of the German army could bring more benefits to Italy.

The main reason is that the Italian army's performance was so poor when attacking France.

There is no doubt about this, it is simply too painful to watch.

That's right!

It's just very lame.

Clearly, there were only a few French infantry divisions on the opposite side, but the attacking Italian army had a huge force of more than a dozen divisions, but what was the result?

Not only did they fail to achieve any results, but they also suffered heavy casualties.

This tragic situation completely disgraced the Italian army and made them a laughing stock from all sides.

This is why Ciano has no say in military matters.

He also wanted to be justified, but he couldn't do it.

Who made the German army’s performance so horrific?

That glorious victory and strong combat effectiveness formed a sharp contrast with the poor performance of the Italian army.

"Wait a minute, your country is going to send warships? How do you plan to bypass the Royal Fleet?" Ciano asked curiously.

It's no wonder he is so curious. The truth is that all the German warships are in the North Sea. It is conceivable how difficult it would be to get around them.

In his opinion, although it was called a joint fleet, in the end, wouldn't it be that the Italian Navy was facing the British Mediterranean Fleet alone?

His heart was full of doubts and worries. After all, the pressure on the Italian Navy to face the powerful British Mediterranean Fleet alone was too great.

He was eager to know what plan Germany had to allow their warships to smoothly join the battle and truly realize the power of the combined fleet.

Ciano's eyes revealed anticipation, but also a hint of uneasiness. He was well aware of the importance of this naval battle to Italy, and he also understood that if Germany could not send warships as promised, the Italian Navy would face huge challenges.

"Don't worry, we will send a main fleet of no less than three battleships to join you and attack Alexandria Port together." Keitel said with a smile.

After hearing this, Ciano was still a little uneasy, but he knew that the German army would never say such a thing for no reason.

Since you dare to say that, there must be a reason.

Next, the two sides mainly discussed some details of the cooperation.

.........

On the other side, Lu Yuhua finally received the information sent by the Annan Freedom Army.

That's right.

After France surrendered, the overseas colonies were divided into two factions, one of which expressed its willingness to obey Marshal Pétain's orders.

Among them was French Indochina.

The Japanese army was embarrassed now.

As the fight went on, the enemies became allies, which was very embarrassing.

The Japanese army had no choice but to negotiate peace with the French army in French Indochina, and the Japanese army also returned the occupied territory.

This is great news for Lu Yuhua.

I was originally worried that I would have no legitimate reason to do so.

No need to worry at all now.

He can plan his next steps more calmly and work hard to achieve his goals.

There was a determination gleam in Lu Yuhua's eyes. He knew that this opportunity was hard to come by and he must seize it.

After all, there are more and more refugees under his command.

(End of this chapter)