Chapter 306： Declare war (1/2)
”The Portuguese government's brazen detention of our normal trade ships in the previous period has severely affected the trade of the empire, and was regarded as a serious provocation by the German Empire. The empire gave them time, and they supported some external forces. He chose to confront. So far, in order to safeguard the dignity and economic interests of the empire, the German Empire declared a state of war with the Kingdom of Portugal!”
On June 22, 1899, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the German Reich officially issued a declaration of war, which even saved the ultimatum. When the German ambassador to Portugal sent the relevant documents to Frank, the latter was so scared that he almost sat on the ground. !
At this time, in the coastal waters of Angola, thousands of miles away, the squadron commanded by Hipper is heading towards Luanda, the largest seaport city in Angola! Behind the flagship armored cruiser of the Marquis of Bismarck are two transport ships carrying 1,000 German army officers and soldiers and their equipment, as well as an additional heavy ship, and finally the armored cruiser Hamburg, and four minesweepers cleared the way. The entire fleet sailed at a speed of 15 knots or more.
”If nothing else, the imperial government has sent the declaration of war documents to the Portuguese. Three hours later, we will arrive at the sea off Luanda and launch an offensive.” The staff officer sent a document to Hipe on the bridge. In your hands.
”The information sent by the radio relay ship shows that the fleet a, commanded by Earl Spey, will arrive in Luanda in 3 days. Should we wait for the Earl’s main fleet after occupying Luanda?” The staff considered and continued Said.
”Is there any situation in the French fleet now?” Hipper asked after turning his words.
”The specific situation is not clear, but according to the intelligence transmitted by the country, the French seem to have an attempt to interfere with the pull. Charlemagne, who was cruising in the open sea, returned to Dakar Port and carried out maintenance and coal filling operations. The five battleships of the French fleet are now in Dakar.” The staff officer replied.
”Do we have enough supplies?” Hipper said after a moment of thought.
”Uh, according to the pre-agreed plan, an American fast supply ship will arrive in Luanda in half a day. The coal, heavy oil and food carried on it will be enough to support two armored cruisers in combat and sailing for two months.”
”Well, we will wait for the American supply ship, and then quickly lead the Marines to Cabinda.” Hipper made the decision in just two minutes. There are two reasons for his decision. First, if you wait for the Spey fleet, then the French are likely to seize the northern part of Angola, which is not good for the overall situation. Secondly, he did not recognize that France would fire on the German fleet first, and the Germans also avoided first starting with the French. In this case, whoever can occupy important ports first has the advantage.
As for what if the two sides wiping the guns and getting into fire? Hipper's idea is very bachelor, so naturally you can fight and run away! The speed of their two warships is above 21 knots. If they want to run, can the French catch up?