Chapter 358 Money and Weapons

"With Russia's military force, the loss of two million people is indeed not a big problem. However, the problem is that Russia's industrial level is really terrible. They have mobilized millions of troops, but they don't have so many weapons. Arm these troops. If the Russians themselves slowly arm these troops and complete their training, it may take two or three years. By then, the battle will be over long ago. And it is obviously impossible for the Russians to return those troops Unarmed and untrained troops are sent to the battlefield. Therefore, the Russians hope that we can provide them with a batch of weapons and equipment so that they can arm their troops. In this way, the preparations can be completed in half a year, and they can resume operations in the East The line is attacking," said Sir Edward Gray.

"Provide them with weapons and equipment? Our own weapons and equipment are not enough!" Richard Haldane shook his head.

As the British and French allied forces slowly gained a foothold on the Western Front, they had to send more expeditionary forces to fight on the European continent. Coupled with the fact that the Royal Navy is at a disadvantage in naval battles, the British Army has to worry if the Royal Navy cannot resist the German Navy. Then, they may have to face the landing of the German navy on the British mainland. Therefore, the local troops of the British Army are also mobilizing.

This also makes the British Army urgently need a lot of weapons and equipment. When the arsenal in the UK could not meet their needs, they even had to turn to the United States to order a large amount of arms. However, as a neutral country, the United States can sell various materials to both warring parties. But arms are an exception. Even if the Americans intend to help the United Kingdom, they can only quietly transport weapons and equipment for them. Under such circumstances, their own weapons and equipment are not enough, let alone for the Russians.

"Are we going to reject the Russians? In that case, I'm afraid they will be dissatisfied with us. It may even lead to a complete defeat on the Eastern Front!" Sir Edward Gray said.

"Gentlemen, if we don't provide support to Russia, then they will have nothing to do on the Eastern Front. This will be very bad for us." Prime Minister Asquith frowned Said with a frown.

"Once the Russians stopped attacking on the Eastern Front, will the British and French allied forces be able to withstand the German attack on the Western Front?" asked the Secretary of the Navy Churchill.

"This..." Richard Haldane looked embarrassed, as if he didn't know how to answer. Although, he wanted to give an affirmative answer. However, he wasn't really sure. After all, the German army still has an advantage on the Western Front. If the German army transferred troops from the Eastern Front to the Western Front, they would face even greater pressure. It is really hard to say whether it can withstand the German attack.

"The Russians' offensive on the Eastern Front is indispensable. We must use their strength to contain part of the Germans' strength on the Eastern Front. Otherwise, our pressure will be even greater. So , I propose to provide arms to the Russians on their terms. This is helping the Russians as well as ourselves. If we reject the Russians' demands, it may destabilize them about the war. If they withdraw If there is a war, the consequences will be even more catastrophic!" Churchill continued.

"In any case, Russia cannot be withdrawn from the war!" Prime Minister Asquith said.

"Well, I agree to provide arms to Russia. But where do those arms come from?" Richard Haldane asked.

"We are short of arms. Even if we can squeeze out some of them, there is still a big gap between the needs of the Russians. What's more, the blockade of the German navy makes it impossible for us to transport the arms to Russia. So, this is a very troublesome question," Churchill said.

"Order from the Americans! At the same time, let the Americans be responsible for transporting the arms to Russia. In this way, these problems can be avoided." Sir Edward Gray said.

Prime Minister Asquith nodded: "Now, we have only this way. Once again, order a batch of arms from the Americans and let them find a way to ship them to Russia. However, tell the Russian side that this batch of weapons will equip us It can be provided to them. But at the same time, we require them to complete the training of the troops as soon as possible after getting the weapons and equipment, and then launch an attack on Germany."

"Yes, Your Excellency Prime Minister. According to various information we have obtained, the Germans are also preparing for the next round of offensive. We expect that the next round of German offensive will be launched in the spring of next year. Therefore, the Russians must launch the next round of offensive next year. Launch an attack on the Germans’ Eastern Front in the spring to contain part of the Germans’ strength. Otherwise, the British and French allied forces may find it difficult to resist the Germans’ attack.” Richard Haldane said.

"This can be used as a condition for us to agree to the Russians. I don't think the Russians will refuse." Sir Edward Gray said.

"Gentlemen, I think that this batch of weapons and equipment cannot be provided by us alone. It seems that our French allies should share half of it. After all, they are the main force on the Western Front. If Russia is unable to If the Eastern Front launches an attack and the Germans attack the Western Front with all their strength, they will bear the brunt of the enormous pressure from the Germans," Churchill said suddenly.

"That's right, the French should also bear half of it." Prime Minister Asquith nodded repeatedly. Originally, he was ready to bleed heavily. But after listening to Churchill's words, I suddenly felt that it was a good opportunity to reduce losses.

"Okay, Prime Minister, I will communicate with the French. I think they will definitely not refuse." Sir Edward Gray said.

"Your Excellency Prime Minister, I suggest that we provide another loan to Russia so that they can strengthen their confidence in continuing the war." Churchill suggested.

Prime Minister Asquith thought for a while and nodded: "I will suggest it to Parliament."

Britain and France, after discussions, decided to provide Russia with a batch of arms to help Russia arm two million troops. At the same time, the two countries each provided Russia with a loan of 20 million pounds, allowing Russia to strengthen the training of the army so that they can play a greater role in the war.

For their own benefit, Britain and France can only spend money and weapons to arm the Russian army and let them attack Russia to share the pressure of Britain and France.