I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 798: You’re the Ones Asking Me for This
General Winter did not expect that all of this was a trap set by Shire for the British Royal Navy.
The rumor of "anti-aircraft machine guns" was spread by Shire, otherwise General Winter would not have known that Shire had new anti-aircraft weapons.
"That is indeed a problem." Shire mused, "Once we lose control of Bergen Port, it’s not just a port we’re losing, but all of Northern Europe."
However, the more important point that Shire didn’t mention is that Britain would lose the golden reputation of having the world’s strongest navy, which is something Britain cannot tolerate.
"Yes." General Winter reluctantly held onto the draft:
"I know you’re in a tough spot, Vice Admiral, but we really need this equipment."
"I promise you, we will keep it confidential and never let it fall into German hands."
Shire spoke firmly:
"That is impossible, General."
"I will not base the safety of the French Air Force or France on trust in you."
"Even though I am willing to believe you, it’s not just up to me."
General Winter fell silent, eventually nodding helplessly, "I understand."
Just as General Winter was in despair, Shire changed the subject: "However, I have an idea that might change this situation."
"What?" General Winter’s hope was reignited.
"Cooperation, General." Shire said:
"Just like our ’Echo Detector’ which is also non-saleable, yet we cooperated happily with your fleet."
"Why don’t we use the same method to let the French Fleet participate in the blockade of Bergen Port."
General Winter immediately agreed, pointing in the air:
"Good idea, Vice Admiral."
"The French Fleet can help us shoot down those bombers or drive them away."
"Then we will maintain control of Bergen Port and the routes."
Hooked, Shire was inwardly overjoyed, but remained expressionless:
"Yes, but the problem is, Antwerp is at least 550 nautical miles (about 1000 kilometers) from Bergen Port."
"How can the French Fleet travel back and forth between these places to perform tasks?"
General Winter blurted out, "They don’t need to do that, they can dock at Lerwick Port in the Shetland Islands."
(The picture shows Lerwick Port in the Shetland Islands, the largest port on the main island of the Shetland Islands, and the most northern major deep-water port in Britain)
At this point, Shire hesitated instead: "Is that okay? I mean the French Navy docking in a British port and getting involved in Royal Navy affairs..."
How would other countries view this?
Does the British Royal Navy need the help of the French Navy?
What face does the British Royal Navy have left!
General Winter, prompted by Shire, realized this problem.
He hesitated for a moment, but then reconsidered: Without the help of the French Navy, the Royal Navy would eventually have to withdraw from Bergen Port, does that make more sense?
So General Winter didn’t hesitate: "It should be fine, Vice Admiral, we are allies, just like the British Army landing on French soil to fight, the French Navy can of course dock at British ports to collaborate with the Royal Navy."
"I thought the same way." Shire replied, "However, do you need to contact the Minister of the Navy or the Minister of Military Supplies to get their consent?"
Shire appeared nonchalant: "I don’t mind, that’s normal."
"Yes, of course, I will contact them immediately." General Winter replied, saying so while standing up to salute Shire.
Shire raised an eyebrow, putting on an indifferent expression while sipping coffee, yet secretly watching General Winter head towards the communication room.
Shire was acting, he was implying to General Winter: it’s you who need something from me, not me wanting to go.
General Winter stayed in the communication room for quite a while, it seemed London was hesitating.
...
London War Office Building.
The Minister of Military Supplies and Minister of the Navy rarely stood on the same side discussing this issue.
The Minister of Military Supplies was opposed:
"We cannot let the French Navy join. It’s not just a matter of pride, but also about suppressing the French Navy."
"Under Shire’s leadership, the French Navy will become a more formidable force than the German Navy."
"And now we let them dock at Lerwick Port, the most crucial port for blocking the North Sea!"
The Minister of the Navy frowned and replied:
"I know."
"But can we refuse? What awaits us if we refuse?"
"Losing Bergen Port, then the Germans will use it as a base to blockade Trondheim Port, sir!"
(The red circles in the picture show the locations of Trondheim Port and Bergen Port, the third and second largest cities in Norway respectively)
The Minister of the Navy paced in front of the desk, stopped, and continued: 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺
"You know they can do it, because the German bombers are seaplanes, they can get supplies from Bergen Port."
"Then the Germans, re-supplied, will produce more planes and torpedoes."
"Then it will be us and not the Germans being blockaded, they don’t even need submarines in this direction!"
The Minister of Military Supplies was stunned.
This means that trade with Northern Europe and even Russia will be cut off.
For Britain, already suffering from a shortage of materials, it would be a serious blow, while Germany could obtain more supplies.
This shift in resources could even affect the outcome of the war.
Looking at the helpless Minister of Military Supplies, the Minister of the Navy shrugged and ordered the signalman: "Agree to General Winter’s request, but we need the French Fleet to obey our command."
...
Bicangxi Training Base.
It was a full forty minutes before General Winter, feeling relieved, came out of the communication room.
"They agreed, Vice Admiral." General Winter said.
"What?" Shire, who was reading a newspaper, pretended to have forgotten about it, and only responded with an "oh" upon seeing General Winter: "You mean the cooperation? They agreed?"
"Yes." General Winter nodded excitedly, though there was a hint of concern in his eyes: "But the Minister of the Navy has one request..."
"A request?" Shire looked at General Winter in disbelief:
"Is there some misunderstanding, General?"
"This has nothing to do with the French Navy, our fleet is only responsible for guarding Antwerp."
"I mean, that’s your business. The French Fleet is helping you for the sake of alliance, and you’re making requests?"
"Shouldn’t we be the ones making requests? Such as fuel, ammunition replenishments, possible casualties, and losses, etc."
General Winter was blushing at Shire’s words: "It indeed seems inappropriate. I will talk to them again!"
Shire called after General Winter as he walked away: "And the naval subsidies, General, they’re different from the Army."
General Winter didn’t look back and gestured "OK" with his hand.
