Chapter 445: Distinguishing public and private

Albert I did this precisely out of Belgium's interests and political considerations.

Albert I believed that Charles was a businessman and a capitalist, and the purpose of businessmen was more to pursue profits. This was much easier and simpler, at least not like Britain and France who always wanted to get involved in Belgium's internal affairs or even control Belgium.

Moreover, Albert I had to face only Charles alone, not a group of greedy politicians with no limits in Britain and France.

More importantly, as long as Charles is willing, he only needs an order to withdraw his troops, and the areas that Belgium has just recovered will soon be in danger again.

Only Charles can do this, and neither Britain nor France can do anything about it.

Therefore, even if General Winter offered generous offers to donate artillery production lines, Albert I did not hesitate to refuse.

Afterwards, Colonel Eden talked about this with Albert I. The former was a little worried: "As far as I know, what Charles purchased was also British artillery, and this kind of artillery seemed not suitable for the fortress."

Most of the artillery in the Belgian fortresses was imported from Germany.

At that time, Germany used some tricks. The artillery exported to Belgium was the foreign trade version. The 150MM artillery barely had a range of 10 kilometers. The range of the 120MM artillery was actually similar to the French 75 artillery, only 8.5 kilometers.

Therefore, if the plan is to build the defense system described by Shire, replacing these artillery pieces is imperative.

Colonel Eden asked for data on the artillery pieces being produced by Shire and learned that the range of the 6-inch 26-cwt howitzer was only 10.4 kilometers.

"This is not much different from the artillery we use now, Your Majesty." Colonel Eden said: "If we change to this kind of artillery, it seems that we don't have much need."

"But it is more powerful than our existing artillery." Albert I objected.

"Indeed, Your Majesty." Colonel Eden replied: "But we installed it in a fortress instead of attacking the enemy's position, so its range is more important than its power."

Albert I was silent.

What Colonel Eden said is the truth. The greater role of a fortress is to keep enemy artillery out of range, so the range is more important.

But after thinking about it, Albert I suddenly had an idea: "Why don't we add 'Saint Chamoun' anymore? As Charles said, we should be both offensive and defensive!"

This reminded Colonel Eden, who thought for a while and agreed: "You are right, Your Majesty, the 'Saint Chamoun' is an offensive artillery. It can form a perfect coordination with the immobile fortress to fight against incoming attacks." The enemy artillery is a great idea!”

Then things were settled.

Although the Charles' artillery is not so perfect, Albert I will try his best to make it perfect.

This is a bit far-fetched, but Albert I believed that it must be done. He was protecting the interests of the Charles and at the same time ensuring the interests of Belgium.

In addition, Albert I made up his mind that all Shire products, whether for civilian or military use, would be tax-free.

At least it cannot change during the ten years that Charles has been building a defense system for Belgium.

The immediate need is to purchase the "Saint-Etienne 2" machine gun, which is an artifact that enhances infantry firepower. It would be best if Charles could set up its factory in Belgium.

The land in Antwerp is not big enough, so find another one...

…

Charles, who was commanding at the fortress, did not think so much. His focus was always on the battle in front of him. He could not relax until the Germans surrendered.

"The biggest danger in the encirclement is night fighting." Charles pointed to the map and analyzed: "The armored forces can hardly fight at night."

Tijani smiled: "The unit that cannot fight at night defeated the Germans at night, twice."

Charles was stunned for a moment, and then he remembered that in Cambrai, he asked Christine to use the "Saint-Salmon M21" to raid the German 1st Tank Division at night.

Tijani took this into account.

"This is the moment, General." Charles replied: "The previous victories were more about catching the enemy by surprise, and the armored forces actually did not play a big role."

"I know." Tijani nodded: "But I don't think we need to worry too much about this, because we have Molotov cocktails."

Looking at Ciel's confused eyes, Tijani added:

"Yes, I popularized it to the 9th Army. They have prepared a lot of these things. Once the Germans launch an attack at night, do you know what will happen?"

"The Molotov cocktails will illuminate the attacking German troops, and they will be sieved by our machine guns on the other side of the barbed wire."

"Oh, by the way. I heard that General Foch also urgently replenished a batch of 'Saint-Etienne 2' machine guns."

"That's my suggestion, you're welcome!"

Tijani felt that she had secured a deal for Ciel, and it was a big deal.

One day, Foch's Army Group North will be fully equipped with "Saint Etienne 2".

But Charles didn't care at all: "You think I need to thank you? 'Saint Etienne 2' is in short supply right now!"

Others are clamoring for something, and you still need your help selling it?

Foch's 9th Army was specially approved because of the urgent war situation, otherwise it would not have been his turn.

"Okay!" Tijani rolled his eyes: "I didn't say anything!"

Then Charles reminded: "Have you ever considered one thing, General? Molotov cocktails are too simple. We can use the Germans too, especially throwing them into the trenches will be more harmful. If there are many Molotov cocktails in the trenches..."

The smile on Tijani's face froze, and he nodded immediately, saying, "I'll call Lieutenant General Savinian right away."

Charles said "hmm" and turned his eyes back to the map.

He believed that as long as the 9th Army was prepared, the encirclement would be basically no problem.

The most embarrassing thing for the German army was that even if they succeeded in breaking through, they could not run far overnight. As soon as the sun rose, they would be caught up by the armored forces in the open area, and then there would be a massacre.

At this time, a guard stepped forward and reported, "Brigadier General, General Winter wants to see you."

Charles was stunned. He had done something wrong, so he shouldn't have stayed away? He actually took the initiative to find him!

After letting General Winter in, Charles' first question was: "Are you here to apologize?"

"Apologize? No, Brigadier General." General Winter said calmly: "I just came to see a friend. I heard that he just won a great victory. The whole world is talking about him. I am proud of him."

Charles laughed: "You are also good at 'shamelessness'."

"That's because I know I did nothing wrong, Brigadier General." General Winter looked at the environment of the fortress, dragged a chair over and sat down in front of Charles without hesitation: "I am British, I have to consider her interests from the perspective of Britain, this has nothing to do with our friendship, we must distinguish between public and private, don't you think?"

"Interesting." Charles put the pencil in his hand on the table, stared at General Winter expressionlessly, and asked word by word: "I want to know, are you considering from the perspective of Britain or from the perspective of the 'Secretary of the Navy'? In addition, what benefits have you gained?"