Chapter 88 Military Affairs Meeting 3

Constantine shocked everyone with his words, and everyone said "ah".

Allowing African natives to join the Greek army was beyond everyone's expectations.

Suddenly hearing such breaking news made them unable to adapt.

"Isn't it too unbelievable to allow black people to join our army?" Emmanuel immediately questioned as soon as Constantine finished speaking.

"Yes, if this is the case, our Greek army will probably be ridiculed by European countries," Metaxas agreed.

"And do those ignorant natives know how to operate European weapons? How to ensure their loyalty? How to command them?"

Others were also full of doubts.

There is no way, in Europe during this period, black people were not considered to be the same kind at all.

For example, black people in the United States have no legal status as citizens in the United States, although they have been given legal freedom after the Civil War.

"The threats faced by the Greek army are objective. I think as long as the army can win on the battlefield, some old prejudices should be decisively abandoned," Constantine retorted.

"The British colonial garrison in India has always had the habit of recruiting Indian soldiers. Isn't it very useful? I have never seen the British being laughed at."

"Your Highness, after those black people enter the army, I'm afraid the Greek soldiers will criticize them," Metaxas said.

"Then follow the example of the British and use the model of Greek officers and colonial soldiers to separate black soldiers and Greek soldiers."

As the world's hegemon at the height of its power, Britain is still very convincing as an example.

“There is also the military-technical aspect,” Constantine said.

"For example, new rifles, rapid-fire artillery and other advanced weapons and equipment, after the government's finances have eased, the Greek army should also step up research. Whether it is self-production or procurement, there should be no delay."

After hearing Constantine's speech, everyone had no objection.

"Let me add something too," Prime Minister Trikupis said suddenly.

As the head of the government, Trikupis generally did not interrupt in such purely military meetings and only listened.

"I think what His Excellency the Duke said about the conflict between Greece and Ottoman Turkey, we actually don't have to take any chances at all."

"Because this conflict is simply unavoidable."

Although everyone thinks that Constantine's suggestions are not inappropriate, they are all based on the conflict between Greece and Turkey.

In fact, everyone has this kind of luck in their hearts: there may not be a war between the two countries.

Greece after independence from the Ottomans had a rather contradictory mentality.

Although they had the "great ideal" of restoring the territory of the Eastern Roman Empire, deep down, the Greeks also knew that this was unlikely.

The difference in strength is too big.

Greek nationalists are not interested in the concept of Roman identity. A considerable number of people believe that they should follow the example of Western European countries and establish a nation-state.

Ultra-nationalists even believe that Rome was the conqueror of Greece.

They also don't think those Greek-speaking MSLs are Greeks, even though they look similar and have always lived on the same land.

A considerable number of Greeks, rather than having great ideals, would rather take the opportunity to get a piece of the pie when the decadent empire of Ottoman Turkey collapsed.

Therefore, there are quite a few people who are not mentally prepared for war with Türkiye.

Trikupis wants to shatter that illusion.

"Ottoman Turkey is full of shortcomings. It is becoming increasingly impatient with non-Muslims, becoming increasingly closed and conservative. The empire's once tolerance for pagans has disappeared, and the Mitler system has existed in name only."

"Nation-states such as Britain, France, and Germany are becoming more and more powerful, and they have increasingly strong psychological implications for Ottoman Turkey. Those non-MSLs are becoming more and more annoying in the eyes of the Ottoman political elite."

"If Greece's economic development goes smoothly in the next few years, which is actually very likely, the difference in living conditions between Greeks on both sides will become larger and larger."

"It is foreseeable that there will definitely be an increasing number of Greeks who want to join the Kingdom of Greece."

"Not to mention the Greeks in Asia Minor, the Aegean islands, Crete, and even Rhodes. Due to geographical factors, these Greeks are far away from the core areas ruled by the Ottoman Turks. They will definitely take action."

'It's almost inevitable'

"If we don't prepare, how will the military respond when the time comes?"

The Aegean Sea is dotted with islands. Most of the residents on these islands are Greeks and are very close to Greece.

Once Greece's economic situation improves, these Greeks will definitely take action, such as an uprising.

"At that time, it will not be whether we take the initiative to liberate those Greek compatriots, but we will be forced to bear the wrath of the Ottomans. They will think that we instigated it."

We are all Greeks, and there is no reason for you to live a good life while we have to be second-class people under the rule of the Turks, and at the same time have to endure high poll taxes.

"Once the government's finances improve, His Majesty" said here. said Trikupis to King George.

"We should start preparing war supplies."

"This war against Turkey is inevitable"

After hearing what Trikupis said, everyone felt heavy.

After all, it is a war with an unknown future.

"Just do as you think, Prime Minister Trikoupis," King George said after a long silence.

"It is time to upgrade the junk in the Greek army."

Since Greece's finances have always been tight, the army has never received enough funding.

Until now, there are still many copper cannons purchased from Europe during the War of Independence in the Greek army, and the Chassap rifle is also an antique that has been used for more than ten years.

After the military meeting, on the way back to Tatoi Palace, Constantine told Schmidt: "Schmidt, take a letter from me and go to Paris to seek the help of the ambassador to invite Mr. Nobel to Athens."

Constantine was worried that the night would be long and dreams would be many. After all, the smokeless gunpowder technology in Nobel's hands is a hot commodity.

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With the completion of construction, the cotton textile mill in Piraeus Port was successfully put into operation. Cotton from Thessaly, Asia Minor or Egypt was transported to Piraeus Port, processed into cotton cloth, dyed, and then shipped to the Balkans or back to Asia Minor and Egypt for sale through the Greek business network.

As the operation of the textile mill got on track, Cantoriotis, who ran the textile mill, smiled all the time.

"How is business, Cantoriotis?" Constantine looked at the radiant businessman and joked.

"In any case, selling cotton cloth is much more profitable than selling cotton"

"But, to be honest, Your Highness, I am jealous of those dye merchants again"

"You said, we are so lucky to collect cotton, spin, weave, dye, so many processes"

"We don't make as much as those who sell dyes"