Chapter 279: Europa
"Shouldn't you be the one worried, Mr. Charles?"
Molotov smiled faintly.
"After all, your territory is very close to Spain's."
Just as Britain was attempting to drag Soviet Russia into the war, and Soviet Russia was weighing the changing situation in East Asia, another matter was quietly taking shape in Berlin.
Germany.
The European Alliance spearheaded by Jörg had completed its initial draft.
The first version now lay on his desk.
Leah, who was overseeing the matter, reported every detail with her usual precision.
"Mr. President, all member states have expressed no objection to the drafted content."
"However, a small number of countries are somewhat dissatisfied with Article 23."
"This article stipulates that if any member state becomes embroiled in war or is invaded by another country, the other member states must prioritize supplying materials and troops to that member state."
Jörg looked at the document, then said calmly, "Then mark troop deployment as an autonomous decision."
Leah nodded and prepared to write it down.
Jörg continued, "At the same time, add a new clause."
"There must be consistency in external diplomacy."
"If the majority of European allies face a substantial military threat, then as long as three of the five permanent council members vote in favor, Germany will have the right to establish a United European Government."
"Once that happens, all resources from council members and ordinary member states can be mobilized."
"All offensive forces, except the troops necessary for domestic defense, will be placed under unified command to collectively face the threat."
On the surface, this seemed democratic.
In reality, among the five predetermined permanent council seats, three were already fixed.
Germany.
The United Kingdom of Iberia.
Greece.
Although the remaining two council seats would be elected, Jörg had already secured three affirmative votes in advance.
In other words, as long as he wished, Europe would have to fight for Germany's interests.
"I understand, Mr. President."
Leah put away the draft and left the office.
Soon after, Ethan walked in quickly and reported, "Führer, the Navy has already contacted the Americans."
"An American merchant fleet is willing to provide ships for our plan. General Raeder is currently in contact with them to handle the specific details of seizing Portugal's interests in East Asia."
"He also asked me to ask you whether we should launch a landing operation against Britain."
Jörg shook his head.
"That is the final preparation. There is no need for it at the moment."
Then he asked, "Has Heydrich sent any documents?"
"Yes, sir."
Ethan handed over a wax-sealed letter.
Jörg opened it.
What appeared before him was an assassination plot carefully framed to point toward Soviet Russia.
Meanwhile, Buckingham Palace, Britain.
George VI and Churchill were having a frank discussion about Britain's future.
"Mr. Churchill, while I strongly support your plan of resistance, recent military actions seem…"
George VI paused for a moment.
"Not very optimistic."
Churchill understood that the failures of the war and the continuous missile attacks had thrown the royal family into panic.
They were beginning to consider an escape route.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Churchill's voice remained steady.
"It is regrettable that our most elite expeditionary force was annihilated on the Portuguese battlefield."
"However, please rest assured that the Far East Fleet still retains combat capability, and the output of our aircraft factories is increasing every day."
"The development of new aircraft is especially rapid."
"At most, in three months, we will have aircraft no less capable than Germany's."
"Three months?"
George VI stood beside the French window.
"Mr. Churchill, do you think we can hold out for three months?"
"Even if we can hold out for three months and raise our air combat capability to Germany's level, what about their missiles?"
He turned slightly, his expression grave.
"We must make preparations for the worst-case scenario."
"If the British Isles fall, or if the voices demanding peace and surrender grow too loud to reverse, what should we do?"
Sensing that Churchill intended to use Soviet Russia's potential war with Germany as an entry point, George VI added, "I know you are preparing to negotiate with Soviet Russia."
"But public dissatisfaction with the government, and the aristocracy's fear of Soviet Russia, far outweigh their fear of Germany."
"Moreover, this is not a solution."
"If the public sees hope of victory from a Soviet Russian attack, and Germany completely abandons peace talks and launches a landing operation, then according to the estimated data submitted to me by certain gentlemen in the House of Lords, the main force of our homeland Army is completely unable to resist the battle-hardened German troops."
"The combat level of new recruits remains unknown."
"If we fall into an all-out war, a total mobilization, it is estimated that over one million civilians will die."
George VI's voice grew heavier.
"Most importantly, if Germany sees no possibility of a dignified fight, they will implement even more aggressive combat policies."
"Gas attacks."
"Genocidal bombing."
"After bloody retaliation against all British citizens, that number may rise beyond four million."
George VI could accept Britain entering the war.
He could even accept Britain paying a price.
But he could not accept the deaths of four million Britons.
Because while this account would be charged to Churchill, it would be charged even more heavily to him.
"All of this is based on the success of a landing, Your Majesty."
Churchill did not retreat.
"And even if four million people die, if dozens of people can destroy one German armored vehicle, or hundreds of people can destroy one German tank, then it is still worth it."
"As long as we can buy time and tie down the Russians…"
Facing Churchill's reply, George VI merely shook his head.
"Tie them down, and then what?"
"Roosevelt is dead."
"Do I need to repeat it?"
"America is fiercely fighting with its neighbors, and Germany's supplies are no longer exhausted."
"When we enter the phase of material consumption, and America's attention is finally drawn back by the sacrifices of hundreds of thousands, even millions, it will already be too late."
"Moreover, will the public agree to the sacrifices we demand?"
Faced with George VI's aggressive questioning, Churchill finally realized that his long-hidden diplomacy with Soviet Russia was no longer a secret.
It was indeed time to consider the worst-case scenario.
"Then, Your Majesty, what is your suggestion?"
"My suggestion is this."
George VI's voice became calm.
"If Soviet Russia enters the war and there is no widespread resistance domestically, then we will fight for the British Isles until the final moment."
"But if widespread resistance erupts…"
He paused briefly.
"I plan to learn from France's experience."
"Some pro-war members of the royal family will go on a tour of Canada in advance."
"After the surrender, the British throne will be succeeded by Andrew."
"As for me, I will continue leading the resistance effort and call on the colonies to actively resist."
George VI looked at Churchill.
"As for the Army and civilians who still wish to resist, you must find a way to transport them out by any means possible."
"Britain is not the entirety of the war, Churchill."
"We still have vast colonies."
"We still have Australia."
"We still have Canada."
Understanding the King's stance, Churchill nodded slowly.
"I will consider your opinion, Your Majesty."
"If the situation truly slides to an irreversible point, I will not allow Britain to be trapped on this isolated island."
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