Iron Cross

"Führer, the ultimatum time has passed and there is no response from Malta."

"The attack was launched as planned and we are waiting for good news from Malta."

Just as Hoffman put down the phone, Cole's call came in again: "Führer, General Horikichi would like to see you in private. Is it convenient?"

"Of course no problem."

A few minutes later, Horikichi, accompanied by Cole, secretly met with Hoffman. He said sheepishly: "There are some things that are not convenient to say in public during the day. I hope you can understand."

"You're welcome, we actually know very well that Italians and Italian leaders are sometimes too romantic and casual, and some incredible things often happen, so..." Hoffman teased Mussolini, "I heard that you want to attack the east coast of the United States?"

"I do have this idea, but my subordinates and staff don't agree. They think it's too crazy. They are looking forward to completing the maintenance, replenishment and material transfer tasks as soon as possible and returning to Japan as soon as possible." Horikichi laughed at himself. He said, "It's a pity that although they are naval elites, their vision is not broad enough. They always only look at the little things in their hands..."

"So it is you and not someone else who is the commander-in-chief of the navy. If I put forward this idea, there will definitely be a lot of opposition."

"In addition, I came here specifically to apologize. I hope you will not care too much about the navy's past opposition to the Japan-Germany alliance." Horikichi bowed respectfully, "Please forgive me."

Hoffman thought to himself: It is indeed easier to talk to people who understand than to communicate with arrogance. The Japanese side has given enough gestures and steps. Of course, he cannot hold on to it. Besides, the war has been going on for this long, and there is no need to dwell on the details of the past. It has no meaning other than adding trouble.

"You're welcome. I know both your and General Yamamoto's positions. In fact, I am as opposed to war with the United States as you are. There are really unavoidable reasons for such a fight." Hoffman smiled, "But this is a thing of the past. Now, we should look forward together. I think your proposed attack on the east coast of the United States is a good strategy. If you take Gibraltar, maybe your idea is no longer unreasonable and you can fully mobilize the enemy, especially the shipyards and shipyards in the eastern United States. The steel mills were critical - they were fundamental to America's ability to continue the war."

"There are too many actual difficulties at present. The fleet has traveled thousands of miles without even a place to resupply on the way. If there is a slight mistake, it will be in danger of destruction. If the United States loses its fleet, it can quickly rebuild one. If Japan loses it, it will have no choice but to surrender." Horikichi said helplessly, "This is where I feel deeply powerless."

"Even if we don't go to the east coast of the United States, it is very meaningful to enter the Atlantic to break diplomatic relations. Maybe we can also add some spoils to your country."

Horikichi's eyes lit up, then dimmed: "I'm afraid there's not enough time. After Zuikaku completes repairs and catapult installation, and other battleships complete radar and anti-aircraft gun installation, we will return to Japan immediately and send supplies and equipment back as soon as possible. . The deployment of army troops has been completed in the country, and corresponding command organizations have been established. Targeted training and combat plans are currently being drawn up. The longer the delay, the later the Indian campaign will be launched, which is detrimental to the global strategy. "

"When will the combined fleet return?"

"It's scheduled for mid-March. I can find a way to postpone it until the end of March, but I have to return in early April anyway."

Hoffman nodded to express his understanding: Although he wanted to stay with the combined fleet for a while longer, the Indian campaign could not be delayed indefinitely.

"One last request. Although the Indian strategy stipulates that we will bear it all, can you please send a division to accompany the fleet eastward? I will consider establishing an offensive base in Ceylon first to lay the foundation for subsequent wars. Horikichi said sincerely, "If a division cannot be mobilized temporarily, a brigade of about 6,000-8,000 people can be used. Your troops can return home after the arrival of the army from my country."

After thinking about it, Hoffman said: "I agree with you in principle. This is extremely positive. I will let Marshal Keitel find a solution."

"Thank you so much."

"I hope to see the United Fleet again marching westward this winter. The Indian campaign will definitely come to an end by then. I very much look forward to joining forces with your country again on other battlefields." Hoffman blinked, "Maybe then Opportunity to go to New York.”

Of course Horikichi understood what it meant to go to New York, and he laughed immediately.

At the same time that Hoffman and Horikichi were exchanging strategic opinions for the next stage, Mussolini had just finished a phone call with Spain's head of state, Generalissimo Francisco Franco. After putting down the phone, he looked thoughtful. look.

Ciano asked in a low voice: "What does the Spanish leader think?"

"He expressed shock and indignation," Mussolini sneered. "But I couldn't hear any shock in his response, but there was quite a bit of indignation - he kept complaining to me for ten minutes."

"He was unhappy with Hitler?"

"Actually, he was very dissatisfied with the conditions of the Germans. Ribbentrop was there. The Germans made a bunch of conditions, but he was not satisfied and demanded more."

"What does he want?"

"He wants Portugal and all of Morocco."

"He really dares to think." Ciano said sarcastically, "Forget about Portugal, how dare you want Morocco? He thinks that he can do whatever he wants if the French are not good enough? If the Germans don't intervene, France will be able to do whatever it wants with its current strength. You can beat Spain to pieces."

"Isn't it?" Mussolini showed a complicated expression. "He saw that we had obtained equipment and supplies, and also obtained a lot of production lines. He was very jealous and wanted the Germans to give some, but he did not agree with Germany commanding him. Navy and Air Force.”

"What kind of navy and air force does he have? We don't even bother to look at his few broken planes and old warships as gifts - his most advanced weapons are still provided by us."

"So we definitely can't reach an agreement." Mussolini laughed. "The Germans only agreed to hand over Gibraltar to him, and also found him a colony in Africa. Then they also promised him Cuba. The Philippines is now Japan Germany said it could not help; as for arms and equipment, it could take some, and the issue of command rights could be discussed, but at the very least, Germany would have free use of Spanish air bases and ports. "

Ciano thought about it carefully: "The Germans are still sincere in their conditions. They sincerely want to negotiate rather than write a blank check. But I am curious what to do if we can't reach an agreement? Will the Germans really launch a coup?"

"He dares!" Mussolini stared, "Hitler can't be allowed to do whatever he wants. If a leader of a country doesn't agree with him even a little bit, he will get rid of him. Then will there be any room for us to talk in the future? Today is Spain, Tomorrow it might be Romania, and the day after tomorrow it might be me..."

"Then now..."

"We can only continue talking. Franco still has some time." Mussolini smiled happily, "Now that Goering and Canaris are finished, I don't know who else can help him."

Madrid time is six hours ahead of Washington, so Roosevelt received the report before it was dark.

"Our ambassador to Spain sent an urgent telegram. Hitler forced Spain to join the Axis Front and wanted to use Spanish territory and facilities to attack Gibraltar." Secretary of State Hull delivered this urgent message.

Roosevelt was shocked: "Aren't the Germans attacking Malta? How come it turned into Gibraltar in the blink of an eye?"

"Malta cannot defend it." Hull smiled bitterly and shook his head. "The Axis powers dispatched 10 battleships and 500 aircraft. With Malta's tiny territory, there is absolutely nothing they can do. It is a military miracle that it can hold out for three days. Malta fell. After that, the next obvious target was Gibraltar.”

“What do the Spaniards want to do?”

"He wanted us to persuade Churchill to hand over Gibraltar to him, because Hitler's main demand for Spain was Gibraltar. It would not be easy for the Germans to get him to join the axis by removing this excuse."

"There is no problem in giving it to him, as long as he is willing to stand on our side - not only can Gibraltar be given to him, but we can also give him a steady stream of equipment, supplies and warship support in accordance with the Lend-Lease Act."

"You know this is impossible." Hull smiled bitterly. "He is scared to death of the Germans. He is afraid that when he wakes up, he will find a German armored regiment at his door unless we can defend him."

"Can we do it? It only takes 3 months, not 2 months! We can send him 300,000 troops and corresponding air power."

"Are you serious?" Hull looked at Roosevelt in surprise. "Is this the result of the latest deliberations of the Joint Chiefs of Staff?"

"No." Roosevelt shook his head, "This is the strategic choice I have been thinking about recently. We cannot always revolve around the German baton. If they attack North Africa, we will send forces to North Africa; if they attack the United Kingdom, we will find ways to do so. Aid Britain. We must have a truly independent and effective strategy that hits the Germans where they are.”

"So you have your eye on Spain?"

"My first choice was France. Once we land in France, we can directly launch an attack on the heart of Germany. However, the current situation in France makes me very disappointed..." Roosevelt considered his words, "Pétain has become more and more cooperative with Germany. Going further and further, it not only provided various strategic resources and military products, but also opened territories, territories and ports for the Germans to use, and also handed over all the few warships. In addition to not sending French armed forces to participate in the battle, It is almost an axis country. What disappoints me even more is the attitude of the French people. The ambassador told me that the French people are not ashamed of what the government has done, but they think Marshal Pétain is a good man. This really makes me angry. ”