afterglow

Chapter 667 Chapter : The battle to establish a country and show its power; Why can’t the Australian girl do it?

Melilla?

Upon hearing this somewhat unfamiliar place name, the staff officers present looked at each other in confusion.

"Where is Melilla? North Africa?"

"Yes, east of Morocco, as I recall."

"Let me look for it."

Lin Xi, Zhou Changfeng and the staff all walked towards another map hanging nearby.

Someone came closer and searched carefully, and then found Melilla on a peninsula protruding from northwestern Africa.

This Spanish port city is one of two Spanish enclaves in North Africa and has been Spanish territory since the 15th century. During the Civil War, Francisco Franco used it as a rear base.

"This happened quite suddenly, without any warning." Lin Xi pondered.

"It shows that the French have done a good job of keeping secrets." Zhou Changfeng stared at the map and said, "If the signs are obvious, then it's bad. Once they are discovered, we will definitely fail."

"Is there any more detailed information?" Lin Xi asked thoughtfully while looking at the telegram in his hand.

"Without the elder, this is all I know for now."

"This is really bold, using surprising tactics and unexpected troops."

"This is a typical military adventure." Zhou Changfeng, with a serious expression, picked up a long wooden stick and pointed at the map, gesturing, "Germany and France do not have control of the sea in the Mediterranean. Although this kind of 'smuggling' takes advantage of the suddenness, how will the troops and supplies be deployed later? Will they rely entirely on air transport?"

"I pay more attention to the political situation." Lin Xi sighed, "The legal person has officially gotten involved this time."

"There is no other way. If you don't play a role, you will have no say." Zhou Changfeng continued, "The Allied forces in North Africa are mostly empty. They seem to be numerous, but it is hard to say how much morale the French exile troops have. The British army is also mainly composed of colonial troops."

A staff officer had quickly found a copy of the intelligence on the Allied troop deployment in North Africa and read it aloud.

After a while, the phone rang.

Zhou Changfeng smiled and said confidently: "Ninety percent... No, they must be asking us to go to Wenhua Hall for a meeting."

As expected, the attendant who answered the phone turned around, clasped his fists and saluted, saying, "Mr. Lin, Mr. Zhou, the cabinet will hold a meeting to discuss this matter. Please go to Wenhua Hall."

The war had entered its white-hot stage for some time, and anyone with a discerning eye could see that the anti-German alliance was strong on the outside but weak on the inside.

The British Army was relatively small and insufficient to cope with the needs of fighting on the European continent; the U.S. Army was relatively large, but could not afford huge losses, so its strategy had been conservative and passive since the war began.

Now the anti-German alliance is struggling in three directions: Spain, Italy and Russia. Even a country with strong productivity like the United States is finding it difficult, after all, a large amount of supplies needs to be transported thousands of miles by sea to the front line.

More importantly, the United States and Ming Dynasty, which fought fiercely in the Pacific battlefield, have also fallen into a stalemate. Without external interference, such a stalemate may continue for several years or even longer. There is no hope that one side will win completely at a relatively small cost in the short term.

Therefore, the determination of both sides has been shaken. Intelligence shows that the two countries have held an unknown number of secret contacts, and optimistic politicians believe that the two countries may shake hands and make peace within six months.

On the other hand, on the European battlefield, the powerful German Socialist Party was fighting all over the place, sweeping across Europe unstoppable even without exerting its full strength.

Recently, workers in the Balkans have also welcomed the liberators. The two German armies have penetrated into Greece with unstoppable force. After joining forces, they are heading straight for the ancient capital of civilization, Athens.

Greece was on the verge of collapse and Constantinople was also in danger. The Allied forces that had been deployed to the eastern Black Sea port city of Poti through Constantinople had to retreat in a hurry, and the Allied High Command's attempt to destroy the Baku oil fields completely failed.

Against this backdrop, the French, who had finally sorted out their domestic affairs, realized that they were about to fade out of the world.

Putting aside the issue of voice and influence, even from the most fundamental security perspective, the French must take action.

France is extremely short of the mineral resources needed by an industrial country. It lacks almost everything. It relies on imports for iron ore, non-ferrous metals, and oil. Even the most basic coal is pitifully scarce, with small reserves and low grade, totaling only a few billion tons.

The old enemy Britain across the Channel has more than 100 billion tons of coal reserves, and Germany also has tens of billions of tons.

From this perspective, it makes sense that the French Empire, which was a powerful empire in the agricultural era, was inferior to the British Empire in the industrial era of the 19th century.

Therefore, the French social elite were full of worries about the fate of the country.

If the war ends soon, how will the dominant German society govern Europe?

If we think about the worst, what will happen if the top leaders of the German society are no longer as polite as they are now, but become more powerful?

A legal society that has made no contribution, no resources, and no population will be controlled no matter how reluctant it is, and by then the only thing it can do is to be tough on its own.

For this reason, the French Society should and must fight a battle to establish its nation - to consolidate the new regime, demonstrate national strength and military power, strengthen the people's confidence, and strive for political status.

Zhou Changfeng can empathize with the French society to a certain extent, but it is only "a certain extent".

After all, France has the industry and technology it needs, and now it has powerful allies on the same front and with the same ideology. The objective conditions are actually very good. How difficult can it be?
"There's something good to watch now!"

"The west is in chaos. It's a mess."

"Will it really be okay to risk such an expedition across the sea?"

The cabinet ministers and senior military officials commented with great relish and talked about the war situation in Europe.

Chen Kaicheng, the cabinet minister of personnel, was addicted to smoking. He looked at Zhou Changfeng and asked, "What do you think, Kexing? Tell me about it."

Just as the latter was about to speak, the sound of high heels rang into her ears. The door of the conference room was pushed open and Zhu Lingjing walked in without warning.

Everyone hurriedly stood up and greeted him, and Chen Kaicheng hurriedly put out his cigarette.

"It's up to you." Zhu Lingjing said to Zhou Changfeng with a calm expression.

The sudden incident interrupted his thoughts. Zhou Changfeng pondered and said, "Well... I don't have detailed information yet. I can only make a rough guess. Please see, the average distance between southern Spain and the North African coast is 150 kilometers, which is completely within the combat radius of the air force. There is still plenty of time to stay in the air. The French army probably hopes to use the air force to support the troops in combat."

After he finished speaking, he added: "Compared to Algiers and Tunisia, the northwest coast is not a key Allied fortification area, and the troops are relatively weak. However, the Allied fleet will definitely cut off the route after it comes to its senses. It is still unknown whether air transport can effectively support the troops' combat. A single division consumes an average of 200 metric tons per day."

Lin Xi took over his words and commented: "If we can gain air superiority, as long as we concentrate hundreds of transport planes and make careful calculations, it should not be a problem to support a hundred thousand troops in battle." Zhou Changfeng smiled bitterly and said: "But this is just an infantry unit. Fighting against the enemy's armored forces on the plains, relying solely on infantry... is worrying, unless..."

At this moment, he suddenly thought of something and said, "Oh! I see! Interesting!"

What do you understand? Why are you still keeping me in suspense?
All the senior officials present were looking at him, and Zhu Lingjing, who was sitting at the upper seat, also raised her eyes and glanced at him.

As we all know, the French have a unique swing turret technology, which allows light vehicles to carry medium and large artillery that is inconsistent with their tonnage. In addition, due to their own needs, the French are also ahead in the wheeled armored vehicle route.

Recalling the series of powerful armored vehicles developed by the French after the end of the war, and combining it with what he saw and heard on his last trip to Europe, Zhou Changfeng had reason to suspect that the French had boldly practiced the tactics of airlifting and deploying light and fast armored forces.

After his enthusiastic explanation, everyone had a general understanding of the possible situation.

However, the military and political leaders obviously did not care about the process, they only cared about the results - how would such a risky military operation of the French army develop next?

"Okay, let's put this aside for now." Zhu Lingjing, who had been silent all this time, spoke up. She coughed lightly and said calmly, "Since you are all here, let's take this opportunity to discuss future affairs in Australia."

"A few days ago, it was reported that the war in Australia could be settled within half a year. It's time to get started." As she spoke, she looked at Lin Xi.

The latter nodded and said, "Yes, Your Majesty. The Australian enemy will lose its combat effectiveness due to insufficient troops. Once the main force is obviously short of manpower, it is only a matter of time before it collapses completely."

Chen Kaicheng was the first to state his opinion, "Regarding Australia's administrative resettlement method... I have the same view as before, to re-establish a new country and fill the population with immigrants."

Finance Minister Yan Peiwen shook his head and said, "I think this is a bit unnecessary. It is not a bad idea to set up two or three new provinces as overseas territories. But I agree with the immigration issue. We should start with 10 million people, and then increase the number as we develop the country."

"Australia is a continent after all. If we set up provinces directly, it would be divided into two hemispheres, north and south, which always feels a bit strange."

"It doesn't matter, even our time zones are similar, we can use the same time zone."

"The whole regime is looking for trouble. Australia is vast and sparsely populated, and the war has just ended. The troops are stationed there. How difficult is it to relocate millions of people in two or three years?"

Li Gangqiao, the Minister of War, said calmly, "Such a large-scale expansion of territory has not been seen for thousands of years. In my opinion, we should be cautious. The war is over, and the retired soldiers need to be resettled. Australia can follow the example of the ancient Hongwu period to set up garrisons and treat the land as a reward."

Immigrants to settle the border? Enfeoffment for military merit? This is really classic. Zhou Changfeng thought to himself, laughing dumbly.

But then again, there are similar reference cases in history, so similar operations are completely feasible.

"Another question, are there enough officials?" someone asked.

"You're worrying too much. We'll just have to hold two more civil service exams. After the war, we'll definitely have to impose military control for a while. There's no rush." ​​Chen Kaicheng waved his hand without thinking, "Besides, most of Australia's population is concentrated in a few cities, so it's easier to manage. It's not like our country, where there are so many towns scattered all over the place."

Li Gangqiao talked about a relatively sensitive topic. "Then, it is better for Australian civilians to relocate. Select those who are educated and obedient to stay, and send away the rest of the young and strong men. Try to keep the women. It can be more humane and not too harsh."

After all, this is not the classical era, and massacre and extermination should still be avoided. Relatively mild expulsion is a better choice.

"Well, there are more than a million women of marriageable age. It's better to keep them." Zhu Lingjing obviously didn't mind the gender issue. There was no distinction between male and female politicians. The best compliment for politicians was to compare them to political processing machines.

Since the traditional customs left over from the agricultural era have not yet been completely eliminated and there has never been a war to reduce the young and strong male population, the male-female population ratio in the Ming Dynasty is obviously unbalanced, and the large number of bachelors has always been a problem that has plagued the court.

The world is so big, why should we be confined to the four corners of the country? Why can't an Australian girl do the same?

First solve the problem of whether you have it or not, then consider whether it is good or bad.

So by then there might be a rumor circulating like this - the imperial court is sending foreign wives, come quickly!
Thinking of this, Zhou Changfeng couldn't help laughing.

Zhu Lingjing stared at him and asked, "What are you laughing at? Can you tell me something funny?"

Zhou Changfeng shook his head repeatedly and said, "No, no, no, Your Majesty, I was just distracted, distracted."

The sun sets in the west, and in such an atmosphere, the issues concerning the fate of millions of people quietly take shape.

While the Ming emperor and his ministers were talking, the Battle of Melilla, which had broken out a few hours ago, was still going on, with both sides fighting fiercely.

It was still noon in Melilla, but the sound of gunfire and shouting had continued from dawn until now.

There are many Spanish Mediterranean-style houses here with gray and white walls and red and orange tiles. Several hours of fierce fighting have destroyed some of them.

【Picture】

The most intense fighting took place around the Melilla City Hall. This newly built Catalan-style building became a solid stronghold for the Spanish defenders. More than 200 infantrymen, engineers, and gendarmes fought desperately, and some police officers also joined the battle.

In the fan-shaped area right in front of the City Hall, the bodies of soldiers from both sides were scattered all over the place, smoke was billowing, and the French army, which had failed in the attack, was evacuating the wounded under the cover of smoke bombs.

Dense 7.5×54mm MAS machine gun bullets were fired at the building from all directions, and the defenders fought back with 7×57mm Mauser machine gun bullets.

"The armored vehicles are coming! Get to the side!"

"Get out of the way! You hear me? Get out of the way!"

Several Panhard eight-wheeled armored vehicles drove slowly over, stopped, aimed at the windows of the City Hall that were spewing flames, and opened fire.

"boom!"

Under the bombardment of 75mm high-explosive bombs, smoke and dust filled the air and gravel flew everywhere. A ZB-26 light machine gun team was instantly wiped out along with their guns!

At this time, looking from a bird's eye view, you can see that the white sand beaches in the western and eastern suburbs are filled with landing craft and people coming and going.

The French army set up several temporary artillery positions in shallow depth, and howitzers were firing at the Spanish defenders who were still resisting.

The French army deployed two naval infantry regiments, two infantry divisions, and one light cavalry division for this carefully planned landing operation. This was roughly the limit of what the remnants of the Mediterranean Fleet could deploy, in addition to three parachute regiments.

Dense black spots appeared in the sky again. They were large numbers of MB157 fighters and LeO45 bombers, which were swooping down from the north to the south.

At the same time, in the two places of Cape Ma and Zayo, east of Melilla, countless white umbrella flowers bloomed in the blue sky...

(End of this chapter)