Chapter 1367： British and French first response (1/2)
Slide 1367
”Our allies seem to be dead. The seemingly huge Russia is now like a giant mudfoot. Not only can it not help us share the pressure, we have to allocate precious forces to rescue them!” At the British Prime Minister's residence. , British Prime Minister Herbert Henry Asquith said to the French Prime Minister Alexander Ribeau sitting opposite.
”Are the Russians pretending to be pitiful to us?” Ribo frowned. To some extent, the Austro-Hungarian Empire worshipped the power of the Germans. Although the French have nothing to do with the admiration of Russian military power, they still have a good view of Russia's military power and regard it as their most important ally!
”According to the estimates of my generals, the loss of more than one million troops in a short period of time is irreparable for us or the Germans, but for Russia, which has a population of hundreds of millions and one-sixth of the world’s land, Say, this may not be impossible to recover.” Libo thought for a while to continue, but from his words, hesitation and anxiety have also been revealed. To be honest, the French prime minister is not particularly confident in his judgment. The current situation is more for psychological comfort.
”I think Nicholas II must have written to you too. We can ignore the threats or pleadings in the letter. These are just a kind of emotional expression. Let us put aside these rhetoric and look at the core content. First, the Russians need support. Second, the Russians can give up control of the Dardanelles in order to support them, and even say that they can not participate in the distribution of benefits in the direction of Turkey after the war!”
Prime Minister Asquis took advantage of the trend and pushed both hands forward. Continue to say, ”That's great, Prime Minister, what kind of crisis can make the Russians give up thinking about Asia Minor for hundreds of years?!”
”Furthermore, according to our analysis, the Russian economy and industrial production are no longer enough to support them in continuing such a high-intensity battle. Russia is not Britain, France and Germany. His industry is weak and extremely unsound. At this time, he used to The proud territory and population will become a burden. Because of the large territory, transportation is difficult. Because of the large population, they need to feed more people. The war has made Russia, a country with surplus agriculture, even changed. Become a food-deficit country. That's good, tell me, why can Russia keep going!” Asquith asked rhetorically.
”It seems that the Prime Minister already has an opinion on how to deal with it?” Prime Minister Ribo said.
”Hehe, it’s just an idea. Russia must be saved. Otherwise, it won’t take long. Even if this country does not collapse, it may choose to withdraw from the war alone. This is unbearable for us. The current Bavarian Legion’s The total strength is 700,000. Imagine what kind of situation we will face if we increase the number of German troops by 700,000 on the western front?! That is definitely a catastrophic consequence!”
”Therefore, we must take immediate action to resolve the Russian crisis, at least, to continue the Russian life!” Asquith said categorically. ”It is no use simply launching a diversionary offensive on the Western Front. The Bavarian Legion will soon be able to annihilate the entire Russian army in the encirclement circle, so there is only one thing we can and must do at present! Break through Daddani Strait!”
”We need the help of the French Army. It is impossible to rely solely on the Japanese and Greeks. The Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force can provide assistance. We can provide a squadron of ultra-dreadnought battleships and more than a dozen former fearless. At least 500 aircraft of all kinds. We only need the French Army to land on the Balkans, then take Constantinople and the Dardanelles in a thunderous manner, and then it is important to transport them for the Russians. Supplies!” Asquith said his purpose.
”How many troops are needed? Two divisions of the Japanese and three divisions of the British Empire, Australia and New Zealand are not enough? There are already nearly 80,000 troops, as well as the Greeks.” Prime Minister Ribo said.