Chapter 329： Mediterranean Tour (1/2)
”What is the purpose of the Imperial Navy?” Prince Ruprecht asked.
”He is the long sword of the empire, it exists to realize the benefits of the empire.” Tirpitz said sternly.
”What are the interests of the empire? You don't think it is stimulating Britain and France to let them get close?” The prince asked rhetorically. ”We have achieved our goal. We have seized the colony from Portugal and frightened the French so that the British could not ignore us. Is this satisfactory?”
”This result is not bad, but...” Tirpitz was taken aback, he didn't expect the topic to change so quickly!
”Remember, there is such a saying that it is too late to pass! You know? It is too late to pass! In this operation, our content on Britain and France has ended! If we continue to do it, it is very likely to cause unpredictable consequences. We and the French They are mortal enemies. The British and the French were once enemies. I think you understand the difference?” The prince said sharply.
”I understand what you mean. Our next action is to stop the stimulation of Britain and France. However, we are going to enter the Mediterranean. Britain and France cannot avoid it! This is very difficult!” Tirpitz wanted to understand. According to the other party, the prince was worried that if he were to oppress again, Britain and France might get closer. The performance of the British in this operation has attracted the attention of the top German authorities, and the Kaiser is also very worried.
”Will Britain and France be afraid of a Caesar Emperor class battleship? Or would they be afraid of a Mainz class armored cruiser?” the prince asked rhetorically. ”They won't worry about it. For the top naval powers, their fleets have obvious advantages in both quality and quantity. Therefore, a smaller but absolutely elite fleet will not be against Britain and France. The opponents of this level are shocked, and they will not stir their sensitive nerves!”
”So, you mean to reduce the cruise fleet size? Is that true?” Tirpitz asked.
”That’s what it means. An overly large fleet can’t do much better than making enemies prematurely. We only need 4 ships! Two battleships and two heavy cruisers, two supply ships, and six remaining. A battleship and 4 supply ships are ready to return!” The prince said his plan.
”The size of this fleet is just right. The French have left very few capital ships in the Mediterranean. But the four battleships will not make the French nervous, and the British will not have any reaction. Their Mediterranean squadron A battleship squadron and other warships attached to it may be stronger than us. Even if we visit Malta, we will not be considered a provocation by the British.”
”But!” The prince turned and continued: ”Such a scale is enough for the restless little brother who wants to restore the glory of the ancient Roman era! The Italian fleet is mainly distributed in Taranto and Zabrinde. In the two western ports, when our fleet enters any port, it can pose a serious threat to the Italian navy there. Don't you think?”
”You have a very opinion on Italy's performance this time?” Tirpitz raised his brow slightly. ‘
”Not very opinionated, but very, very opinionated! I think it is very necessary to beat this restless ally!” The prince made no secret of his dislike of Italy, and said angrily!
Leaving aside the history of Italy’s rebellion, and simply looking at Italy’s performance this time, if Italy is profitable, it will be at the expense of others and it is understandable to support Britain and France from its own standpoint and oppose Germany and Austria. For the country, core interests are the key.