Chapter 440: Chapter 440 Safety
London, Britain, the "Minister of the Navy" stood by the window with a livid face.
His eyes were vacant, the cigarette in his hand slowly emitting smoke, with an inch-wide ash accumulated, but the "Minister of the Navy" was completely unaware.
That bastard actually used this method to deceive the Germans.
Those fools in Germany, I clearly told them the answer, yet they insist it was a lie!
But the real entanglement of the "Minister of the Navy" was not this.
Shire was undoubtedly heading towards victory; the surrounded German Army couldn’t hold on for long, surrendering was just a matter of time.
Now, it’s time to consider the division of interests.
Although Belgium had not yet been fully recovered, capturing the capital Brussels and Antwerp was of extraordinary significance. Albert I could start rebuilding the Belgian Army.
Military equipment is a big business, but it’s not just about money; it’s about control over Belgium.
Whoever controls Belgium’s arms controls Belgium, it is Belgium’s lifeline, and at critical moments can decide Belgium’s survival.
This person, without a doubt, must be Shire.
Because he led the army to defeat the Germans and liberated Belgium, he is also an arms dealer, his equipment and tactics are invincible on the battlefield...
Anyone who isn’t a fool knows Shire is the best choice, Albert I certainly won’t be an exception.
But the "Minister of the Navy" was still unwilling; Britain is the number one power, it cannot watch its influence disappear, and even the nearby Belgium to break away and embrace another country, especially that "other country" being France.
At this moment, the burning cigarette had reached near his fingers, the "Minister of the Navy" flinched from the burn, and quickly turned around to stub it out in the ashtray.
At that moment, he suddenly made a decision.
No matter what, he must give it a try!
...
Albert I returned excitedly to his villa in Antwerp, carrying the defense plan given by Shire.
The villa was somewhat dilapidated; before the war, the Germans used it as a command center, making a mess of the place.
On the day of recovery, a small-scale battle had taken place, with Germans resisting for a while to buy time to burn documents.
This left bullet holes everywhere and wooden walls blown apart by grenades.
But Albert I didn’t mind; despite Colonel Edison’s objection, he insisted on staying here: "You don’t know how fortunate I feel to be back here, Colonel. No matter how run-down it is, this is my home."
As the carriage entered the gate, a guard informed Albert I: "Your Majesty, General Winter is here; he’s waiting for you in the study."
Albert I’s face darkened, unable to stifle a "humph."
The carriage stopped, Albert I took off his gloves and hat, handed them to the approaching servant, and hesitated a bit.
He initially wanted to leave General Winter hanging, but ultimately felt it wasn’t necessary.
Walking along the broken passage into the study, Albert I’s first words upon seeing General Winter were: "You came just in time, General; I suppose you have brought us fuel!"
General Winter’s old face flushed; he detected the sarcasm in Albert I’s words.
"Sorry, Your Majesty," explained General Winter, "It was an accident..."
"Hmm." Albert I interrupted General Winter: "I believe it was an accident, surely a German submarine, no doubt."
Albert I’s words left General Winter unable to further explain.
General Winter sighed silently, everyone knew, any explanation was redundant, the actions of the "Minister of the Navy" once again proven wrong.
Yet the price was borne by him.
"I hope to offer some compensation, Your Majesty," said General Winter, "We can help your country rebuild its army."
"Help?" Albert I scoffed: "Like helping us against the Germans?"
"No, Your Majesty," replied General Winter, "We can offer free assistance in artillery production line, and if needed, share aircraft technology."
General Winter had done his homework before coming here.
Upon receiving orders from the "Minister of the Navy," his mind was already contemplating even before departing: What does Belgium need?
Rifles, Belgium previously obtained production authorization from Germany’s Mauser company and is now capable of producing them.
Machine guns, no one can beat Shire’s "Saint Étienne 2," the king of light machine guns.
Tanks, Britain is trying to produce its tank model based on "Shire A1," but cannot compete with Shire.
The only advantage over Shire is artillery; after all, Shire’s production is of British origin’s 6-inch 26-cwt howitzer.
France’s artillery is either insufficient in production or too small caliber to meet current battle needs.
Albert I laughed: "This is interesting, General. I wonder, what makes you think I would choose British equipment?"
What you can provide, Shire can also provide, thought Albert I, and what Shire can provide, you may not have.
General Winter didn’t waste words, straightforwardly answered: "Because you need balance, Your Majesty."
"Balance?" Albert I squinted.
Then suddenly realized: "You mean Belgium might be controlled by Shire?"
General Winter nodded:
"Think about it, if Belgium’s all, or the majority of equipment was purchased from Shire, what would happen?"
"One day, Shire only needs to tamper with his arsenal or halt supplies to Belgium, and Belgium will face catastrophe."
"You are a wise King, Your Majesty; I believe you can make the right judgment and decision."
Albert I smiled and replied: "Unfortunately, General, I might not trust Britain, nor France, but I trust Shire; he would not do such a thing."
General Winter gazed at Albert I in confusion: "You shouldn’t trust anyone, Your Majesty."
This isn’t something a mature politician would say. In politics, there’s only "interest," not "trust."
"I understand your point," replied Albert I, "But you are wrong; you think buying equipment from Britain can balance Shire, but it’s not about equipment."
"What?" General Winter was more puzzled.
"Security, General." Albert I stared at General Winter, his tone calm: "In war, the only one who can ensure Belgium’s security is Shire; Britain and France cannot."
After a pause, Albert I questioned: "Then, please tell me, how can I balance Shire?"
General Winter was stunned; he hadn’t considered this.
But Albert I’s words were factual; only Shire could beat the Germans and ensure Belgium’s security.