Iron Cross

Gu Zhengzhi raised a third question: "The specific idea that our country originally expected to win against Britain first was that on the one hand it expected Germany and Italy to make progress in their operations in the Middle East and North Africa, and on the other hand it hoped to use various means to cut off Britain and India and Australia contacted each other to expel the British forces in Burma, promote its independence and encourage India's independence. With the progress of the initial war in the south, the joint meeting of the base camp governments made a decision on January 10 this year: to cut off India from the United States and Britain. With the goal of providing transportation, refusing to assist the British, and actively carrying out anti-British movements, they gradually strengthened their policies based on the progress of the war. Later, it was made clear that the Ministry of War was mainly responsible for the policy against India according to the "Military Agreement between Japan, Germany, and Italy" concluded on January 18. It is stipulated that the boundary of the combat sharing area between the Japanese Army and Navy and the German and Italian Defense Forces is set at 70 degrees east longitude. Most of India and the Indian Ocean belong to Japan's combat area. Our country has an unshirkable responsibility. However, the combat mission that your country hopes for involves the Middle East and The Arabian Peninsula area is not within the scope of Japanese operations..."

"The head of state is also aware of this problem. Due to the limitations of the combat situation and objective environment, the originally agreed combat areas and corresponding responsibilities may change." Cole explained, "Our country has some advantages on the North African battlefield, and we have some advantages. We can use naval and air force means to cut off the Mediterranean routes of Britain and the United States, but Britain and the United States can still continuously send troops to the above-mentioned areas through the Red Sea and Persian Gulf. Therefore, our country hopes to receive strong assistance from Japan during the attack and use all forces, especially The naval force blocks the Western Indian Ocean to ensure that British and American reinforcements cannot land on the peninsula. This request does not mean that our country shirks the responsibilities that should have been performed by Germany and Italy to your country. On the contrary, in order to achieve the above goals better and faster, We believe that your country should play a greater role in this operation. In view of the fact that Japan has exceeded its original responsibilities and scope, we have decided to compensate you accordingly. You can ask your country for the conditions."

Cole knew that this was the real intention and intention of Japan. Forget about attacking India. It was originally in Japan's strategic intention. If it still wanted to go to the Middle East and the Arab region to "help", who would do such a bad thing?

The Germans so innocently asked Japan to speak on its own, but the three Japanese representatives began to squirm. They pushed and pushed each other for a long time. Finally, it was Gu Zhengzhi who stepped forward to be the villain. He handed over a document marked top secret. He said with embarrassment: "This is a request from our country to ensure the smooth operation, make up for the consumption, and make up for the additional losses in other theaters due to the transfer of the main force to the west. Please take a look at it."

Cole took it and took a look. The request terms listed above really opened his eyes:

1. 2 million tons of high-quality steel, including 200,000 tons of special steel;

2. Transport ships with a carrying tonnage of 1 million tons, both old and new, are required, but the tonnage of a single ship is required to be no less than 2,000 tons and the maximum speed is no less than 12 knots;

3. 1,000 latest model tanks equipped with corresponding artillery shells, and the drawings, patents and artillery shell production lines will be transferred at the same time;

4. 1,000 other vehicles (recommended to be 500 trucks and 500 armored vehicles);

5. 2,000 latest aircraft of various types (it is recommended to provide 1,000 day/night fighters, 700 bombers, 300 reconnaissance aircraft and other special aircraft). If there is difficulty in providing aircraft, it can also be replaced by 4,000 advanced engines, or Make comprehensive adjustments according to this ratio;

6. Provide technical data and samples of the latest aircraft engines, radars, and Zeiss optical instruments;

7. Ensure the supply of crude oil to Japan in the future, and the price will be determined separately;

8. After the operation is completed, ensure that sufficient fuel and supplies are replenished for the combined fleet participating in the operation;

9. The above material supply is expected to be completed within two years, of which no less than 60% will be provided in the first year.

When he saw the eighth item, Cole couldn't help but almost laughed out loud. The conditions looked quite majestic at first, but when it came to this item, the Japanese's petty spirit was exposed - this supply requirement is even more grand. Listed in formal terms? (Of course, he underestimated the appetite of the Japanese, and he couldn’t laugh when he saw this clause later, but this is a story for later, so I won’t mention it here for now)

Keerzai read it twice carefully, and instead of expressing his position in a hurry, he asked: "If our country agrees to the above conditions, how much help will your country be willing to give us?"

"This..." The three people on the other side thought that Cole would express his opinion first, and were even prepared for the other party to get angry. Unexpectedly, Cole said it so simply, and they were stunned for a moment. Shimomura Sada stammered and asked: "Your Majesty, do you think these terms can be agreed to?"

"Whether we can agree to it or not depends on the head of state's final decision. I am cautiously optimistic." Cole pushed the question gently, "However, at least the head of state needs to understand your country's thoughts. If you consider signing an agreement...well …Should rights, responsibilities, and benefits be equal?”

Inoue Narumi didn't say anything and only gave a thumbs up quietly. This was the second time that Cole forced Shimomura to panic: after all, the Army's group of red deer had not been seen much in the international scene.

"This is a constructive idea from our base camp. It has not yet been submitted to His Majesty for a final decision, but it can be used as a reference for your envoy." Gu Zhengzhi took out another document, which stated Japan's obligations:

1. The combined fleet deploys the main fleet to blockade the Western Indian Ocean to ensure that the British and American reinforcement fleets cannot land and do not pose a combat threat to the German and Italian troops, and wait for opportunities to annihilate their reinforcement fleets. Considering the issue of operational sustainability, this time cannot exceed one month;

2. Coordinate the German and Italian troops to occupy the Middle East and the Arabian Peninsula, and provide aviation and fleet support when necessary;

3. If conditions permit, provide aviation and fleet support to support the German and Italian troops in occupying Madagascar;

4. Supply 100,000 tons of rubber, 10 tons of gold, 20 tons each of tungsten and chromium ore, and 100 tons each of tin and lead ore;

5. Provide Germany with the latest aircraft carrier, battleship, and super-large submarine design drawings it needs;

6. Ensure the future supply of rubber, raw silk, mica and other tropical products from Germany and Italy, with prices to be agreed separately;

7. All material transportation will be escorted by Japan.

After reading it, Cole expressed his understanding. He silently put away the two documents and asked: "If possible, when will your country complete all preparations and break into the Indian Ocean?"

Gu Zhengzhi couldn't answer this question. He turned his attention to the two deputy ministers of the army and navy. Of course Shimomura Sada couldn't decide, because the departure and arrival time completely depended on the navy. Inoue Narumi thought for a moment, as if he had made up his mind. He said: "If your country can reply and accept the relevant package agreement within 5 days, our country will immediately submit a petition for Holy Judgment. If a consensus is reached within three days, the time for our fleet to break into the Western Indian Ocean will be no later than December 15 this year. …”

"I will return to Germany immediately to report to the head of state, and I expect to give you a clear answer within three days."

"The whole country is waiting for good news."

The attaché of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs arranged for Cole to leave first, and the other three people had to discuss it again, and Cole could not hear this discussion.

"Will these conditions make some lions want to talk?" Gu Zhengzhi rubbed his hands uneasily, "If the Germans invest so many resources, they can win on their own, so they still need our help?"

"Otherwise, Germany may be able to provide these resources, but they will definitely not be able to mobilize them all in the short term, let alone invest them in the Middle East battlefield at once." Narumi Inoue said carefully, "The special envoy should know very well that Japan is not strong enough and needs these materials and equipment. If we have these things to promote the Indian Ocean strategy, India will have a much greater chance of success.”

"But I'm curious, how likely is it for the Germans to agree to these conditions? These supplies are almost the amount of supplies Japan needs for a year." Gu Zhengzhi himself smiled sheepishly.

"If the German side is eager, I think it should be able to agree..." Shimomura Sada scratched his scalp, "I mean that the German side can agree to at least 80%."

"Actually, asking Germany to provide 2,000 aircraft is not as beneficial as asking them to provide 4,000 engines. In terms of ease of transportation, the engines are small in size and light in weight. There is not much difference between us and Germany in terms of aluminum materials. German or Italian aircraft We pilots may not be used to flying..."

"The Germans won't fool us with outdated models, right?"

"The Germans don't bother to do this. We also have diplomatic envoys and military attachés stationed in Berlin. How advanced we are can be seen at a glance." At this point, Inoue Narumi suddenly asked Gu Masayoshi strangely, "Ambassador Oshima used to There is a long message sent to report the situation in Germany, but I haven’t seen the situation report recently.”

"Forget it... the code he used was cracked, and the Germans were very angry with him. Last time, it was said that he was severely scolded by Minister Ribbentrop." Gu Zhengzhi took the opportunity to say, "The new code provided by Germany We should also consider giving more cipher machines to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”

"Yes, yes, if the code had not been deciphered, the Navy would not have been defeated at Midway." Shimomura Sada said casually, and it took him a while to realize that Inoue Narumi was sitting next to him, and quickly explained, "I am not blaming the Navy. , I mean those four aircraft carriers are really a pity. If they were still there, why would we transfer from Guadalcanal now..."

"Shimomura-kun, this has passed. It's time to unite and look forward." Inoue Narumi was not annoyed and just said lightly.

"Suddenly, I am looking forward to the Indian Ocean strategy." Shimomura Sada said in an excited tone, "If Germany agrees, Japan's materials and equipment will take on a completely new look. The Army believes that steel, aircraft, materials and other technical materials, etc. can all be used The army and navy are divided into two, the army requires 30% of the transport ships, and all tanks and trucks belong to the army..."

Inoue Narumi stopped Shimomura Sada, who still had more to say: "Shimomura-kun, don't you think it's a bit early to distribute supplies now? It's not yet sure whether the Indian Ocean operation can start."

"Well, I'm not in a hurry..."