Chapter 802: The Winning Hand (Complete, 3400 Votes and More)

Faced with Cole's request for a Western expedition, Horikichi did not answer directly, but first asked: "What is your country's strategic goal this year? To force the Soviet Union to withdraw from the war? To force the United Kingdom to withdraw from the war? Or to force the United States to withdraw?"

"It is unlikely for the United States. They still have great potential. The head of state believes that it is impossible to force the United States to withdraw in 1944 or even 1945." Cole said, "We hope to force the Soviet Union and the United Kingdom to withdraw, and force the United States to withdraw as soon as possible. In case the force cannot be achieved, When Britain withdraws, its priority is the Soviet Union.”

"Need the Kwantung Army and the Combined Fleet to attack the Soviet Far East?"

"This is not necessary for the time being. Your country can just hold back the Russian troops in the Far East and cut off the Soviet supply lines."

"What exactly does our western expedition need to do?"

"Although our army won the battles of Cape Verde and Newfoundland, the losses were not small. The head of state hopes that your country can send a navy to help delay the United States so that we can devote all our efforts to solving the Soviet problem." Cole said, "The United States Although it has been hit hard one after another, its industrial strength is strong, its homeland has not been damaged, and its resilience is amazing. If it does not contain the power of the United States in the Atlantic, it may delay our military's ability to solve the Soviet problem. As long as the Soviet problem is solved, the country is in the East. The nearly 4 million troops on the front can free up at least 2.5 million for use on the western front. Then there will be no need to worry about the US military's containment. In turn, it can even deter the North American continent and promote a package solution to the Japan-U.S. and Germany-U.S. issues. "

Everyone nodded: Although Germany's strategy is somewhat wishful thinking, it has clear direction and clear steps and goals.

"How many aircraft carriers does your country currently have? How many pilots do you have? What about the United States?"

"There are currently 2 fleet aircraft carriers. Starting from this month, one new aircraft carrier will be completed every month. By the end of March, it is expected to have a total of 5 aircraft carriers. The number of pilots is sufficient and the experience is not to mention. The United States estimates that its regular aircraft carriers are currently 3- 4 ships, and there will be about 6-7 by the end of March. In addition, the country will also build 20-30 escort aircraft carriers during this period. Overall, it has a slight advantage. However, if your country’s joint fleet is added, our military will Totally got the upper hand.”

"Your country's estimate of the strength of the U.S. Navy is basically the same as my country's, but it is difficult for the combined fleet to dispatch now." Horikichi said thoughtfully, "You also saw it during the military parade. The sea trials of the Taiho were not completely completed, and Shuangzuru was Repair, in the short term there are only two light aircraft carriers to support the appearance, and the number of pilots is not enough, so it is temporarily unable to march westward. "

"The head of state expressed his understanding of these difficulties. How about he proposed setting off at the end of March?"

"March was a bit tense. How about mid-to-late May?" Horikichi smiled. "Both sides have leisurely preparation time. At the worst, Britain and the United States will have 1-2 more aircraft carriers, which will not affect the balance of power."

Cole thought for a while and agreed: "Then I will report to the head of state first and ask Berlin to make a decision."

"About weapons purchases and inspection groups?"

"In view of the change in circumstances, we have agreed to sponsor the Kwantung Army's northward march to cooperate with the operation. In addition, we will additionally bear the entire cost of an inspection trip to Germany headed by Lieutenant General Ito Seiichi, including 80 army and navy generals." Cole added He said, “Considering that our country’s domestic Marine Corps has insufficient strength, and given that the situation in India has been basically stable, your country is fully capable of handling it on its own, and is determined to withdraw three of the four Marine Corps brigades currently deployed in India, and accordingly focus on All the equipment will be left to you. It is recommended that your army take 2 brigades and your navy take 1 brigade.”

Horikichi turned to Ishihara Kanji: "Does the Army think this arrangement is feasible?"

"I think it's okay." Ishihara Wan'er nodded, "We have already considered adding two divisions to India, so we will consider adding one more division."

"Thank you very much for your country's continued strong support." King Higashino Miyazaki Minuhiko knew that because Horikichi stayed, the 100 million yuan consulting fee was instantly wasted, but 30 million of it was promised to go to the Kwantung Army, and Germany also knew Japan had already made arrangements, but it was too embarrassed to give them at all, so it discounted the heavy equipment left behind after the retreat for 30 million yuan. The sponsorship fee became 200 million, but with the addition of three brigade heavy equipment, the actual value was more than 30 million. Of course, it is reasonable for the Germans to handle it this way: firstly, it is troublesome to transport it thousands of miles back, and secondly, since it is second-hand, the price will naturally be discounted.

"Then I'll take my leave first." Cole knew that they were about to discuss internal issues, so he left knowingly after hearing a satisfactory answer. As for how many troops Japan will send to the Western Expedition, and what price Germany will pay for it, this is a matter for further discussion.

After Cole left, the atmosphere of the meeting was a bit dull, and everyone didn’t know where to start. Finally, the new Prime Minister, Prince Higashino Miyazaki, sighed: "Hori-kun, there is something I said that may not be very pleasant, but I still I would like to say that although the Western Expedition was just an attack by the combined fleet, it affected the whole body. The army and even the entire imperial strategy were greatly related. At least it would be better for us to discuss it first before replying to the German side. You can directly ask. In May, the base camp will take over. It’s hard to discuss it, and it’s hard to express your approval or disapproval.”

"I'm very sorry." Horikichi stood up and bowed to everyone, "I was reckless, but I also want to explain a few words about this matter. The so-called Western Expedition in May is purely to frustrate the Germans. You don't need to really."

"What?" Lieutenant General Toshiro Kawabe, the new deputy chief of staff, had his eyes bulging out, "Can it still be like this?"

Ishihara Wanji thought about it carefully, his face suddenly became very exciting, he clapped his hands and said: "Gao Ming, Gao Ming, please explain to us, Mr. Hori."

Prince Higashikata Minuhiko was also stunned, and it took him a long time to react: "You said, you said..."

"In general, I didn't lie to him. The current strength of the combined fleet is indeed weak, but as long as it survives late April, the mobile fleet will basically return to normal. It can have 3 regular large-scale aircraft carriers (Xianghe, Zuihe, and Taiho), 1 There are a total of 7 medium aircraft carriers (Bairn) and 3 light aircraft carriers (Ziho, Chitose, Chiyoda), and the pilots can basically solve it. However, the Navy will launch a large-scale battle in early May, and the situation will change significantly by then. Germany may. We do not necessarily need to march west to achieve our goal." Horikichi smiled, "Other new warships of the Combined Fleet are under construction. According to the construction progress, by September, the third ship of the Yamato class, Shinano, and the first two ships of the Unryu class, Unryu. Both the "Amagi" and "Amagi" can be put into service, and the combined fleet will be further reorganized and strengthened."

Tada Shun asked him hesitantly: "You mean that by May, not only will the naval power be fully restored, but it will also be a better time to ask Germany for money?"

"More than that, I judge that Germany will encounter a major challenge."

"Where?"

"Africa or the Falklands." Horikichi pointed at German West Africa in the Gulf of Guinea and then near Argentina. "These two places are the branches and ends of the German offensive. It is very difficult to maintain the supply line. It can even be described as a critical moment. The Americans had previously The reason why these two points are not valued is that the starting point has always been to compete with the Germans for control of the entire Atlantic. Now this strategy has completely failed. The Atlantic sea power belongs to Germany and the United States and cannot be shaken in the short term. We can’t fail to see that trying to accomplish all the results in one battle will only fail again. I think the other side will change its strategy, pick out Germany’s weak links to attack, and regain the situation little by little. If we take action again at this time, we will get more satisfactory rewards. ”

"Very good, very good." King Higashikata Minuhiko smiled, "I wrongly blamed you just now. There is indeed no one smarter than you in business."

Horikichi shook his head: "I'm not trying to rip off Germany. I should ask whether Germany wants to open up or continue to ask. I just hope that Germany can see the problem and cooperate to turn the tide and withstand the attack when its weak links are crumbling. There is no icing on the cake. Is it so affectionate to offer help in times of need?”

"You seem to have something in your words?" Yamamoto Isoroku frowned and asked, "Can these weak links be made up for now? Or remind the other party?"

"There is no way to make up for it. If you want to make up for it, you have to reduce investment in other directions, and the effect is very poor. There is only a total of 100 yuan in capital, so naturally it will go wherever the profit is high. How can you leave the place where you make 50 yuan and not turn around?" "What about a place that only earns 5 yuan?" Horikichi smiled bitterly, "It is more beneficial to Germany to attract the US military to attack. If the US military does not attack and focus on defense, but hides at home and is a coward, their shipbuilding capabilities can only last 2-3. In the next year, we can completely build up a large fleet. How can we defeat it then?"

Everyone laughed: "Fortunately, the United States is not so shameless yet."

"Since the navy adopts an active and prudent strategy, the army's strategy is also relatively simple: the Kwantung Army strengthens its strength and the organization of mechanized forces; the Chinese mainland further shrinks and strengthens material trade; the Nanyang side cooperates with the navy to defend; the Indian side invests 3-4 divisions The regiment will strengthen its offensive and consider adding more troops depending on subsequent needs," Ishihara Wanji said, "The only direction to attack in the short term is India, and the rest will stick to it."

Everyone nodded in agreement. It was very prudent to attack in only one direction, and resources and troops could be arranged.

After the meeting, Horikichi and Yamamoto Isoroku took a car back together. On the way, Yamamoto asked him: "I feel like you seem to have something you haven't said."

"Yes, we can't talk about it anymore." Horikichi smiled bitterly, "If we talk about it again, we will soon talk about the contradiction between Japan and Germany. No matter how Japan-Germany relations develop in the future, at least at this stage, they are mutually beneficial and need each other. How can they fall out? ?”

"You mean... marching north?"

Horikichi nodded: "If this problem is not handled well, we will have a major strategic conflict with Germany, so we must postpone it temporarily and hope that there will be other opportunities to make up for it. The navy must consider the interests of the army, otherwise the army will be in trouble again. A new team of people will come soon, and the coordination between sea and land is finished again. "

Yamamoto Isoroku nodded and sighed: "The current situation is the best since the war started. We cannot destroy it easily. Let's go to the naval combat seminar first. They are probably waiting impatiently."