Chapter 255: Tsunami
"This is not about exposure, Lord William."
Churchill's voice was cold.
"In these special times, I could tolerate the first wave of large-scale reports concerning Germany's armistice proposal. But now, there is no room left for easing tensions between Britain and Germany."
He stared at the nobleman before him.
"Using your connections within the Navy to obtain first-hand information, then turning that information into public propaganda without government notification or review, is an extremely irresponsible act."
"If this happens again, I am sorry, William, but I will act according to the Public Opinion Management Regulations."
William, whose methods had been exposed, glanced at Churchill.
Before leaving, he muttered, "Once war breaks out, the entire Cabinet goes completely mad."
After dealing with these trivial matters, Churchill was just about to take a sip of brandy to soothe his tense nerves when a knock came at the door.
His secretary hurried in and reported, "Prime Minister, Italy has formally signed an armistice agreement with Germany."
"The specific terms of the agreement have not yet been leaked, but the General Staff believes Italy will most likely no longer intervene in the war."
Churchill was not surprised by this outcome.
Supporting Italy was too difficult.
Rather than helping Mussolini, it would be better to open a gap in Portugal.
As far as he knew, most of Germany's tungsten ore came from Spain.
If they could cut off this supply line while simultaneously blocking Germany's Brazilian iron ore transport route, it would cause considerable trouble for Germany's military-industrial system.
Although Churchill did not believe Germany would be unable to find a way through, this was already a relatively good naval response strategy.
After suffering the disaster of Operation Black Lion, Britain currently had no spare capacity to deploy the Royal Home Fleet for another port strike.
Unless Japan's position was confirmed, allowing Britain to recall the Far East Fleet for reinforcement.
As for the Mediterranean Fleet stationed in Egypt, it was now isolated. It could only wait until war broke out in the Middle East and see whether a solution could be found.
At the mention of the Middle East, Churchill could not help feeling a headache.
If he had not hastily abandoned that treasure land, Britain's oil restrictions against Germany would likely be much more effective now.
He had also tried contacting the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
But it was clear that those Ottomans, who repeatedly claimed neutrality, had no interest in cutting off Germany's overland oil supply lines.
"Is the trip to the United States ready?" Churchill asked.
"It is all ready, sir. President Roosevelt will welcome your arrival at the end of the month."
Berlin.
Reports of maritime transport attacks were stacked on Jörg's desk.
The British had obviously returned to their old methods.
Jörg was not surprised by this.
Cardolan had long since prepared alternative iron ore sources within Europe. Even if the important Brazilian iron ore region was cut off, it would not affect military production.
As for tungsten ore, although Spain had not yet taken Portugal and there remained the possibility of a British landing to provide support, Franco's removal meant Spain no longer had a wavering stance.
There was a potential threat, but it was not significant.
From the moment he joined the Wehrmacht, Jörg had prepared both maritime and land-based resource transportation routes.
He had always known that the Navy, even if developed at a rapid pace, could not surpass the British Navy in numbers and professional experience within a short time.
Even with the addition of the French Navy, his conservative estimate was that Germany could, at best, barely fight Britain to a draw at sea.
And now, what Jörg worried about was no longer the European situation, but the international one.
Looking at the blacked-out regions of Japan and East Asia on the world map, Jörg murmured, "Japan and East Asia will become the focus of future wars."
"Even if India is weak…"
His eyes lingered on the map.
"Geographically, it truly is the jewel in the crown."
While he was thinking, Raeder entered the office and reported, "Commander in Chief, Operation Wolfpack is being carried out in an orderly manner. The dispatched submarine fleet is tracking British merchant ships."
"Very good."
Jörg looked up.
"Remember, Raeder, do not touch American ships."
Since the naval battle, Jörg had received many warnings about the United States Navy.
In the eyes of naval officers, America's recent attitude was extremely dangerous.
But in Jörg's eyes, as someone who understood far more, America was a ticking time bomb.
Sooner or later, it would blow Churchill's idea of forming an alliance with the United States to pieces.
"Yes, Commander in Chief. I have repeatedly ordered Dönitz, the overall commander of the submarine fleet, to ensure strict compliance."
Raeder's answer was firm.
"All submarine units will avoid American merchant ships. They will only attack British vessels."
Jörg nodded, then instructed, "Call Heinz Guderian and Kesselring in."
"It is time to make strategic arrangements for the British Isles."
A few minutes later, the senior officers of the three services gathered in the office.
A map of the British Isles was spread across the table.
Several red landing lines were drawn along the coastal ports, and detailed maps of Britain's major industrial cities were arranged beside it.
"Heinz Guderian, are the rocket strike groups deployed across France ready?" Jörg asked.
"Some rockets have already been expedited by train. All of them will arrive at their launch bases within one week."
Because the V-2 rocket was of great importance, Jörg had specifically assigned Heinz Guderian to oversee rocket transportation.
Meanwhile, the Internal and External Intelligence Department was responsible for maintaining strict information confidentiality.
Using this as a segue, Kesselring continued, "On the Air Force side, some fighter aircraft have completed their rocket pod upgrades."
"If needed, they can directly participate in the upcoming Battle of Britain."
"All bomber formations on the Western Front are on standby."
Hearing that both the Army and Air Force had completed their tactical arrangements, Raeder became somewhat restless.
He had not received any instructions to formulate a landing plan.
He quickly asked, "Commander in Chief, does the Navy need to expedite the formulation of a landing plan?"
Noticing Raeder's surprise, Jörg reassured him.
"No hurry, Raeder."
"A strong nation attempting a landing operation against another strong nation will never be easy unless the opponent is caught completely off guard."
"Moreover, our Navy does not possess an overwhelming advantage."
He looked down at the map of Britain.
"For Britain, we must first bomb them until they are afraid."
"After that, we will give them a reason to yield."
"Just as Heydrich did with the French and Polish resistance organizations."
Jörg's voice was calm.
"The carrot and the stick apply in every situation."
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