I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 801: Lease Relationship

Three days later, four "Ruches Ensign" class warships arrived at Brest Port.

Shire instructed Darlan to take charge of this "reinforcement fleet," and notified him of the main mission while sending the "Oerlikon" anti-aircraft guns to Brest Port.

He followed up with a cryptic message in the telegram: "We only have a leasing relationship with England, no need to take too much risk, understand?"

"Understood, General," answered Darlan, who had recently been promoted to Navy captain during the naval battle.

Darlan is the future Acting Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of the Navy, and Minister of the Interior.

His ability to rise successfully was not only due to his military talent but also because of his political maneuvering.

Thus, after receiving Shire's telegram, he immediately grasped its deeper meaning:

The French Fleet does not need to sacrifice for the British Fleet; the Royal Navy is a potential enemy of the French Fleet. Now is an excellent opportunity to weaken the Royal Navy by leveraging the crisis created by the German Fleet.

Moreover, effective anti-aircraft firepower is a form of coercion against England.

However, Darlan was still somewhat concerned. After contemplating for a moment, he sent Shire a telegram: "Four warships are too few, General; they are too insignificant even as a lever, and I'm worried they won't glean us much benefit. Moreover, regarding Germany, four warships might not be able to withstand the attack of 36 seaplanes."

Upon seeing these words, Shire understood that Darlan had already grasped his meaning. Having a smart subordinate is reassuring, and he needs a commander like him now to independently handle matters at the Shetland Islands.

Shire responded, "As for the insufficiency of warship numbers, that's something you should tell the British."

Darlan got the point instantly; this is an issue the British should concern themselves with.

"As expected from Shire!" Darlan silently praised, "Effortlessly diverting Toulon Fleet's latest destroyers, even reserving those under construction."

If the "Ruches Ensign" class were effective, the British would obviously not be satisfied with the existing eight; they would need more.

And as long as the British needed them, they would definitely transfer the "Ruches Ensign" to the Brest Shipyard.

The reason being, currently, only Shire has the "Oerlikon" anti-aircraft guns, which are the only ones capable of effective anti-aircraft defense.

Soon, Darlan received another telegram from Shire: "As for the German bombers, you don't need to worry too much. I suspect German bombers are unlikely to attack French warships. I mean, if they know that French warships are equipped with new anti-aircraft guns."

Darlan was dumbfounded, with his mouth agape for a long time, unable to react.

He was thoroughly convinced by Shire's methods.

Indeed, as long as the news of French warships being equipped with new anti-aircraft guns and being deployed in the North Sea is spread, German bombers would be foolish to directly confront warships flying the French flag.

The targets for bombers are so large; when launching torpedoes, they must face the broadside of the firepower: low altitude, low speed, straight-line flight.

Isn't that just making themselves targets for the new anti-aircraft weapons?

More importantly, Germany's major naval target is England and the Royal Navy; what purpose would attacking French warships serve?

Hence, during wartime, the Germans would naturally avoid French warships and choose to engage British warships.

Holding the telegram, Darlan sighed, "No wonder Shire reached this level in just two years; even the Minister of the Navy, Britain, and Germany are offering him advantages!"

...

Dunkirk Port.

Kitchener, early in the morning, led the guards and military band to the port to make preparations.

Today is the day of the arrival of the American Expeditionary Force Commander, Pershing.

While Pershing is only a Brigadier General, in terms of the principle of equivalence between British and American military ranks, Kitchener ranks several grades higher than Pershing.

But that's not how it's practically assessed. 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

Britain has all along relied on American supplies and loans to hold on; otherwise, Britain would have long been exhausted by the war.

Simultaneously, the Allies very much need the US to dispatch its troops.

To be precise, Britain desperately needed it; only American troop deployment could inject new blood into the British Expeditionary Force, possibly giving Britain the upper hand over France.

Otherwise, when it comes to ceasefire negotiations, even with reparations, France would benefit the most.

As Kitchener aimlessly wandered in the sea breeze, a staff officer rushed over to report from a dozen meters away: "Marshal, the ship has arrived, identified as 'Majestic.'"

Kitchener hurriedly stopped his pace and changed direction toward the port.

The military band played "Land of Hope and Glory," a hymn composed by Elgar for the coronation of Edward VII.

Kitchener chose this piece to signify that the American army was setting foot on this land of hope and glory.

Pershing, accompanied by his assistant, descended the gangway slowly, seeming still unaccustomed to the stable ground.

Kitchener hurried a few steps forward, warmly shaking Pershing's hand:

"Welcome, Brigadier General."

"And also welcome the United States to join the Allies' camp."

"This is absolutely the right choice; Germany is the common enemy of humanity, and we can't allow such hegemony to continue to harm life in the civilized world!"

Just yesterday, the United States officially declared war on Germany, joining the Allies.

Pershing gave an "Mm" and saluted Kitchener: "It is an honor to join you, Marshal."

He spoke with a slight sense of disgust.

Onboard, Pershing had reviewed a multitude of reports, knowing that the British Army stood on the brink of collapse.

The cause of collapse was not the Germans but rather many colonial troops seeking to join the French Army under Shire's command for combat.

This was absolutely unacceptable for the British Expeditionary Force, so they considered it a rebellion, using brutal methods to suppress this "disorder."

As they boarded the car, Kitchener handed Pershing a document:

"Everything is arranged, Brigadier General."

"Training bases, instructors, and supplies are ready; we're just waiting for your troops to arrive."

"I am confident that, with our joint efforts, we can easily achieve victory, especially since the Germans are at the end of their rope."

Opening the document file for a peek, Pershing noticed the name of the chief instructor: "Admiral Avis?"

"Yes," Kitchener nodded forward.

From the front passenger seat, Admiral Avis turned and reached out: "Hello, Brigadier General, I am Chief Instructor Avis, looking forward to our cooperation!"

Pershing shook his hand politely, seemingly grasping Kitchener's intention.

The chief instructor's rank usually wouldn't surpass that of the expeditionary force commander.

For example, as Pershing was a Brigadier General, Kitchener should ideally have assigned a colonel as the chief instructor.

This colonel would be responsible for American military training and could act as Pershing's advisor, providing combat plans and opinions during wartime.

However, now, Kitchener assigned a Vice Admiral.

A Vice Admiral, two ranks higher than Pershing.

Does this mean that henceforth, the American Expeditionary Force would follow Admiral Avis's commands?

A cold smile involuntarily curved on Pershing's lips.

These guys, their methods and machinations for usurping power are far more sophisticated than on the battlefield!