Chapter 321

London, England.

Churchill looked at the document in front of him with a sad look, and finally sighed and shook his head. This is the third time that he has submitted a plan for the navy to fight. The first time that he was rejected was that the Navy went to sea to attack the German naval base and annihilate the German naval fleet. The second time it was vetoed was for the navy fleet to sail into the English channel to support the army in Belgium. The third attack plan, that is, the plan for this time, is to send out the navy to protect Norway and Denmark.

The reason why British Prime Minister Chamberlain rejected Churchill's plans is not complicated, because Churchill himself can not guarantee the success rate of these plans. But Churchill was more worried that Norway, which had lost the protection of the British navy, would be completely conquered by the German army, which the whole British Empire did not want to see.

Because Norway's rich iron ore can supply Germany to expand production. These resources are enough for Germany to produce thousands of tanks and cannons, and also for Germany to produce dozens or even hundreds of warships. These war weapons are enough for Germany to arm itself to the teeth.

Therefore, Britain has always had a plan to block Norwegian Sea routes and seize the throat of German war resources. However, with the defeat of Holland and the loss of Scarpa Bay, the plan finally died.

Now, Britain has lost the power to blockade Norway, which gives Germany a chance to plan to occupy Norway. This opportunity was not deliberately left to Germany by the British, but won by the German Navy with its own courage.

"Our spies have detected that the high seas fleet of the German Navy left the port of William two days ago. Now our navy still dare not make any action. No matter where the fleet will attack, we have no way to fight back in the first time." After a long silence, Churchill finally said, "how do we deal with the Norwegian crisis? If Norway is occupied by Germany, our iron ore imports will be reduced, and Germany's ability to resist the blockade will be stronger. "

"What can I do? Huh? Our fleet lacks the necessary air defense cover. If we attack rashly and lose some more ships, what will you do to protect our British Empire Chamberlain reluctantly asked: "although our losses are not small, they are far from the point where we dare not fight. However, our losses are so intensive that our majesty and I can not make up our minds to fight."

"Norway, we can't give up!" Churchill even said with a little cry: "once we give up Norway, there will be countless more outlets for the German Navy. Even if our navy takes the initiative again, it will not be able to trap the German Navy in the North Sea any more."

Chamberlain sighed and said, "the assassination plan has failed! We lost three of our best agents. It can be said that God is not on our side! We nearly blew up that wicked bastard. "

Churchill thought for a while, and finally put out what he said in his heart: "Mr. Prime Minister! We put our hope of ending the war on those assassination actions, which is opportunistic! We should send out the army to fight back, rather than rely on some tricks in exchange for peace. "

"Do you think I'm compromising? I'm protecting you, the elite of the main fighting faction! " Chamberlain slapped the table and yelled angrily, "if the Navy fails again, I will fight for the position of prime minister, and I won't be able to protect you, the Admiral!"

Churchill looked at Chamberlain as if for the first time he had known the moderate prime minister. He knew that Chamberlain had been working hard towards European peace, but he did not know that this seemingly weak old man could say such a thing.

At this time, Churchill knew that Chamberlain, the prime minister he had always secretly despised, was sheltering him from the wind and rain. Only then did he know why he was still able to stay in the position of naval minister after the battle of Holland and Scarpa Bay.

"For... Why?" Churchill looked at Chamberlain and asked with difficulty. It is very difficult to admit one's own mistakes, but it is even more difficult to admit one's own mistakes in front of the person concerned. Churchill knew that if he asked this, he would show his consistent view of Chamberlain in disguise, but his self-esteem forced him to ask.

"One day when you take my seat, you will understand! The prime minister is not like a Navy minister. You just have to think about how to win the war. " Chamberlain said with a self mocking smile: "as a qualified prime minister, he should not only consider winning the war, but also consider avoiding it, losing it and so on. I go for peace because I don't want to see war. I keep you as a warlord because I'm not sure when the war will end. "

He stood up and looked out of the window, his voice full of lonely emotion: "now it seems that the war will not be over in a short time. So I don't think Britain should lose people like you, even if they can't have people like me. "

"But, Mr. Prime Minister! We can't just sit back and watch the German invasion of Norway! We should at least make clear our fundamental position against Germany's domination of Europe. " Churchill took a look at Chamberlain and said his idea truthfully: "the navy must attack. It doesn't matter whether Norway wins or loses. Instead, we should show the world our determination to fight back against Germany!"

"I'm going to transfer you to Naval Logistics. Then you will bring a scapegoat to your stage to implement your third plan. Chamberlain pointed to the papers on the table and said, "Churchill, I can't agree with your plan to send a fleet of battleships. All I can do is allow the navy to send a small number of destroyers into the Norwegian coastal waters." As he spoke, he reached out to stop Churchill from speaking, and continued: "these destroyers are for the German Navy to eat, and the loss is inevitable. The difference is just how much trouble can be caused to the German Navy by losing these warships. "“ How can... "Churchill almost did it. He was shocked by Chamberlain's plan“ You hear me out. " Chamberlain waved his hand and said, "in this way, the scapegoat who replaces you will have to resign. And I, too, will be affected. That's what I expected. " With a smile, he went to the window and looked out at the sky: "then I will propose to agree to the U.S. lease act and borrow 50 destroyers from the U.S. by replacing military bases to make up for our losses in Norwegian waters."“ In doing so, I will use a few broken boats to give you the main fighters a most advantageous situation. " Chamberlain gave a wry smile, then looked back at Churchill and said, "don't thank me in a hurry. My selfishness is greater than public welfare. Like all of you, I can't predict our outcome in this war. So I dare not take the risk to continue to be the prime minister. I am afraid to become the first prime minister in British history who needs to face defeat and humiliation. "“ I left you a mess. " Chamberlain shook his head, then asked: "now I want to ask you, as the main battle faction, do you dare to take this hot potato I threw to you?" They are all old politicians who have been in high positions for half their lives. Of course, Churchill will not be fooled by Chamberlain's words to the point of tears and heart to heart. After careful calculation, he knew that Chamberlain had other plans“ I'm afraid there's another meaning in it? At this time, send yourself out of the center of power for a not too big reason. If the situation gets out of hand in the future, you will become a visionary savior of Britain. Your reputation is higher and more stable than it is now! " Churchill looked at Chamberlain and said“ I don't deny that. This is my answer to the current situation. If you have any higher means, you can make it out. " Chamberlain nodded triumphantly, admitting Churchill's conjecture: "it depends on whether you dare to take it."“ Kill two birds with one stone! The old politician is indeed an old politician! I really admire you now! " Churchill nodded and said, "what if we win? Don't you mean you made me a wedding dress? "“ That is, if you are really capable, I have nothing to say. " Chamberlain spread out his hand and said, "at that time, how can I say that I will open up a good situation for you, and I can be regarded as one of the meritorious men. It's just to provide for the aged at home. Who makes me pessimistic now? I think it's more difficult for Britain to win this time."“ Good! Do as you say! However, if we accept the loan act of the United States this time, whether we win or lose, we in Britain will lose our present position. " Churchill said helplessly: "although this is the best result we can fight for now, it also means that America's plan of taking advantage of the fire has been successful again."“ Now we have to eat this boring loss! After all, we can't fight the German invasion alone now. " Chamberlain's plan was successful, and he relaxed a lot. He said, "the German army has reached Amiens, and Sir Goth has sent some telegrams urging us to reinforce. The last batch of reinforcements are already on standby. With these soldiers in mind, we have invested 390000 troops in Europe, which is all we can afford. "“ When I get back, I'll draw up a combat plan, and the Navy will be ready to set sail. " Churchill stood up helplessly and said. On the second day, Churchill, the Secretary of the Navy, was transferred to the Navy Logistics Department. The new secretary of the Navy proposed a new combat plan, and Chamberlain agreed to the attack plan. In the afternoon of that day, six Navy destroyers left the port and set sail for the Norwegian waters.