novelnext Chapter 1019 1019: The Only Feasible Solution Is to Defeat France
Chapter 1019 1019: The Only Feasible Solution Is to Defeat France
The news of victory soon spread throughout Paris, and then quickly permeated the entire country.
Citizens passed the news from house to house, whether acquainted or not, each meeting was filled with enthusiastic shouts:
"Do you know? We've won!"
"Yes, I heard too. Shire defeated the British Mediterranean fleet, such great news."
"Unbelievable, Shire managed to defeat them in such a short time, even forcing them to surrender."
"We seized 8 battleships and over a hundred various ships, such a victory has never been seen before!"
...
Military experts began discussions on the radio:
"Rumor has it Shire used a secret weapon this time, it's called 'aircraft carrier.'
"The British have them too, but theirs were sunk during the battle. This type of warship should possess super firepower and thick armor."
"Yes, I believe its artillery caliber must be over 400mm, otherwise, it wouldn't have been possible to sink 2 battlecruisers and 2 battleships so quickly!"
"My God, what kind of existence is it? Battleships crumble before it!"
...
Then, the Merit Newspaper, holding the advantage, provided the correct answer:
"Aircraft carriers have no artillery; they are essentially platforms for aircraft to take off."
"Shire not only developed the most advanced 'dual runway angled aircraft carrier,' but also equipped it with multiple types of aircraft."
"These include fighter jets for air combat, as well as bombers and torpedo attack planes."
...
The newspaper described it in detail, even disclosing some data that should have been confidential, such as the average takeoff and landing time on dual runways compressed to over 2 minutes.
This was at Shire's behest.
To intimidate the British Army and boost our own morale.
The former allows the British Army to realize what kind of opponent they face, making them consider whether to continue opposing the French Army.
The latter is to give the army and civilians more confidence in France, to give confidence to member countries of the International Alliance in France, and to give global colonies confidence in France.
Most importantly, "confidence in France from global colonies."
If this is achieved, it will be enough to keep the British Army overwhelmed everywhere.
...
The morale of France was instantly elevated to its peak, but people no longer abandoned their work and took to the streets in revelry as before.
They worked in factories while passionately discussing every detail of the battle, exercising their reasonable imagination.
Some even suggested voluntarily working overtime to produce more materials and ammunition for the country to prevent the British from making a comeback.
Soldiers expressed their willingness to fight on the frontlines, including many disabled veterans.
Merchants voluntarily reduced their prices and slimmed profits, calling it support for frontline combat within their means.
This phenomenon of national unity emerged after morale reached a new level; it might also be described as a kind of voluntarism.
Because, under Shire's rule, France was filled with hope, fairness, and safety.
This made every citizen believe their contribution was worthwhile, serving this community, with the conviction that these sacrifices would ultimately pay back to them.
Then they inspired others to contribute with them, leading to this unprecedented unity of collective strength.
...
In Davaz Town, even with layers of guards blocking off, a crowd of citizens from other places surrounded it.
Dejoka and Camille stood at the door, helplessly gazing at the throngs outside the town, watching as they waved their hands and cheered.
Neighbors said even if the Prime Minister gave a speech, it wouldn't receive such treatment.
"Did Shire do something?" Camille asked Dejoka, "Or did Shire make them dissatisfied?"
She thought this was a protest march.
"No, of course not," answered Dejoka, who had just hurried back from the factory, "Shire has won another victory."
"Impossible," Camille said, puzzled as she looked at Dejoka, "Shire has won many battles, but nothing like this has ever happened."
"This time it's different, Camille," Dejoka started to laugh, "This time, he defeated the British, the British Royal Navy."
"Oh, really?" Camille replied, half doubting.
Camille still didn't fully understand; she thought the key was "Britain," because it was those annoying guys from Britain who were defeated, which caused such a big reaction.
Dejoka smiled and didn't explain further.
Someday she would understand, Dejoka thought, she would know what a remarkable thing Shire had done!
This was almost impossible, yet Shire achieved it!
...
London War Building.
Logically speaking, the war in the Mediterranean should have ended by now, and this operations command center ought to dissolve.
Yet it remained busy, with even the Minister of Military Supplies still present.
Because they were about to face issues speculating from the disastrous defeat in the Mediterranean: loss of control over colonies.
Thus, the Mediterranean Operations Command immediately transitioned into a Colonial Suppression Command.
Urgent telegrams came one after another to Prime Minister George's desk:
"Canada is proposing to withdraw its troops, and we also noticed they are forming new forces under the pretext of preparing for subsequent wars, but they have other intentions."
"Riots frequently erupt in various African colonies, guerrillas suddenly have many weapons in their hands, we believe they are old guns aided by France."
"Ah San wishes for independence, they think this is the time for England to fulfill its promise since Germany has surrendered to the Allies!"
...
A total of more than 40 colonies, 4 protectorates, and 5 dominions.
Either uprisings or riots; the more peaceful actions are building forces without the British, causing Prime Minister George to be overwhelmed.
Staff officers argued endlessly, refusing to concede.
Some believed dominions were important as they could be considered allies, convincing these allies to lend their armies to suppress the colonies.
Some thought North African colonies were more important because only by controlling them could they continue fighting against France.
Otherwise, if allowed, France's control over all of Africa would mean strategic defeat for England.
The outcome likely could be only one: witnessing France unify Europe and Africa and subsequently grow stronger.
Prime Minister George was unable to decide.
Because abandoning any would not be viable, those colonies could be seen as a whole, and even abandoning just one would lead to collective collapse among the others.
Finally, the Minister of Military Supplies shouted, "Enough!"
The shout quieted everyone, leaving them staring in a daze at the Minister of Military Supplies.
"Don't you understand yet?" said the Minister of Military Supplies with a solemn face:
"Simple firefighting is useless; no matter what, it's impossible to manage both the colonies and dominions."
"The only feasible solution is to defeat France."
"Otherwise, the Sun Never Sets Empire will cease to exist!"