Chapter 631: It's Our Duty, No Need for Thanks
City Defense Headquarters, Gallieni's private quarters.
Although headquarters had undergone reforms to remove some informants placed by capitalists and parliamentarians, the rear-area reserve army still gradually became infiltrated by idle officers once Charles departed.
Gallieni could do little about it. Sitting at his desk, accepting the cup of coffee Charles had brewed for him, he said with resignation, "This isn't something one or two people can solve. Many times, I can't even find good reasons to transfer them away."
Charles nodded in understanding. It was fundamentally an institutional problem. Unless a unit was isolated through combat operations, like Charles's own forces, the officers who graduated from military academies were often nobles or parliamentarians' sons. Where could one find completely clean backgrounds?
Gallieni took a sip of coffee, looked at Charles curiously, and asked, "So, what exactly is this 'business' you mentioned?"
"Aircraft, General," Charles replied. "We need more aircraft."
Gallieni raised an eyebrow. "How many?"
Charles considered briefly before answering, "Currently, we need at least three new military airbases, each hosting a fighter squadron and a bomber squadron. Approximately 200 aircraft—at least 200."
"Two hundred?" Gallieni stared at Charles in astonishment. "But I've heard our air force already dominates the Germans."
He implied that there was currently no urgent military need for such large aircraft orders, especially with wartime material shortages.
Charles understood Gallieni's perspective. France's current air superiority was sufficient; thus, naturally, there seemed little need for more aircraft.
However...
Charles spread out a map in front of Gallieni, calmly indicating several locations. "I plan to build these three airbases at Brest, Caen, and Dunkirk."
Gallieni picked up his glasses and studied the map, frowning heavily. "I thought you'd build them near the frontlines."
Had they been on the frontlines, such expenses might have been justifiable. After all, new aircraft would directly support battles against the Germans. Yet, Charles intended to expend significant resources and funds in the rear, puzzling Gallieni.
Charles explained patiently, "This is to coordinate with the British Royal Navy in controlling the English Channel, General."
"Control the English Channel?" Gallieni laughed. "With the British fleet present, we have no need to worry about that."
Charles didn't reply, only looking quietly at Gallieni.
Perplexed by Charles's silence, Gallieni stared at the map again, then suddenly realized the truth. "You aren't doing this against the Germans, but rather…"
Gallieni stopped short, mindful that walls had ears. Mentioning "against the British" explicitly was dangerous. Both understood without further words.
Charles nodded slightly. "The English Channel is one of the busiest maritime routes worldwide—a crucial strategic point. Whoever controls the Channel controls shipping, resources, and ultimately holds dominance in both war and politics."
His words weren't exaggerated. Losing control of the English Channel would spell Britain's doom.
This was precisely due to Charles's "attack surpasses defense" principle. To defend against a French landing, Britain would have to fortify every kilometer along a 560-kilometer coastline—an enormous expense capable of funding several fleets. And even then, France could still concentrate forces at one vulnerable point for a breakthrough.
Gallieni, astonished by Charles's bold ambitions, alternately looked at the map and Charles himself, utterly speechless.
The young man was only nineteen yet had ambitions beyond merely halting or defeating Germany. Instead, he aimed to challenge the world's greatest power, targeting none other than the globally admired Royal Navy.
France had attempted this unsuccessfully for decades. Charles boldly took on the impossible challenge!
After a moment, Gallieni shook his head, "Aircraft have limited roles in naval battles, Lieutenant General. They're primarily useful only for reconnaissance."
Without a word, Charles produced a simple sketch from his coat pocket, handing it to Gallieni. It depicted a Caproni bomber with a torpedo mounted beneath its fuselage.
Gallieni stared dumbstruck. He wasn't familiar with naval warfare but knew well enough about torpedoes. Having followed the Dardanelles campaign, he understood that seemingly invulnerable battleships could be sunk by a single well-placed torpedo.
Realizing that bombers could deliver torpedoes, Gallieni finally understood Charles's intentions.
After a stunned silence, Gallieni exclaimed, "Good God! Is this possible? Can we truly drop torpedoes from bombers?"
Charles confidently nodded. "Mounting isn't complicated. The main issue is ensuring torpedoes can withstand the impact upon water entry without malfunctioning. We just need some time to reinforce internal components. Additionally, we might have requirements regarding speed, altitude, and angle of release, but they're manageable."
Gallieni stood trembling, clutching the sketch excitedly. "Incredible! Do you realize what this means? Our navy will be number one in the world! We'll control the seas! Charles, you're a genius!"
He wasn't exaggerating. If torpedo-equipped bombers could effectively neutralize battleships from a 300-kilometer radius, they could blockade crucial sea routes, severely restricting the Royal Navy, including strategic points like the Strait of Gibraltar.
Pointing at Dunkirk on the map, Charles stated, "This airbase will be particularly important, General. I suggest doubling the aircraft stationed here."
Glancing again at the map, Gallieni eagerly nodded. "Indeed—double or even triple! We might even add another base at Boulogne-sur-Mer or Calais."
Charles finally asked Gallieni, "General, do you agree we should proceed to procure these 200 aircraft?"
Gallieni cleared his throat, hiding his smile, and responded solemnly:
"All signs indicate the German fleet might attempt to break through the English Channel blockade. As Allies, we must prepare for this potential threat in advance. Although aircraft have limited naval effectiveness, we're glad to construct airbases and provide aircraft support for intelligence purposes. It's our duty—no need for thanks!"
Charles nearly spat out his coffee at Gallieni's deadpan humor…
(End of Chapter 631)
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