"There's no need to exaggerate, Prie Minister Kent. However, in any case, increasing our number of reservists is a necessary task. Even though I do not know when the European war will start, for Australasia to advance further, we might have to participate in this war that could have been avoided." Arthur quickly stopped Prime Minister Kent's exaggerated statement and laughed as he explained.
It is not entirely necessary for Australasia to desperately join one of the two military blocs.
With Australasia's geographical location being far away from Europe, it is certain that its native land will not be threatened.
In this situation, how could Arthur possibly exhaust Australasia's potential for Britain and France?
"If that is the case, Your Majesty, I suggest that we only require adult male citizens between the ages of 18 and 30 to participate in military training once a year, and they can become good reservists." Prime Minister Kent said: "If we have no intention of sending large-scale troops, I believe that 220,000 regular troops and 300,000 reservists are enough to ensure the safety of our native land at any time."
Arthur nodded in agreement and said: "Let's focus the training on adult male citizens in non-important posts. Hold military training sessions every six months or annually, with training time lasting at least half a month. These participants can be provided with funds equivalent to the average income as remuneration for their participation in military training."
If they can receive payment for participating in military training, it is expected that no one will refuse.
After all, becoming a reservist only requires one or two training sessions per year, which will not interfere with normal work and life.
"Have the British experts arrived as promised? If I remember correctly, their diplomatic team should arrive soon, right?" After deciding on the matter of the reservists, Arthur turned to Prime Minister Kent with a smile and inquired.
When they sold the airship technology to Britain, both parties had agreed on the timing of sending experts.
The British government had also reached an intention with Australasia to send a diplomatic visiting group to Australasia to achieve further cooperation between the two countries.
In fact, this also represented Australasia moving closer to Britain once again. If previously the German aid to Australasia was far greater than the British aid, then from the moment King George V ascended to the throne, Australasia and Britain became closer, and the aid given to Australasia by Britain gradually surpassed the scale of German assistance.
By now, British aid has far surpassed that of German aid in terms of warships, military industry, industry, chemical industry, education, medical care, talent, grain, and other aspects, as great communication between Australasia and Britain has been established.
It is no exaggeration to say that Australasia is an important strategic partner of the British Empire, providing various supplies such as mineral resources, grain, and meat.
Of course, there are still at least two years left before that period, which also means that the scale of the expansion of the Australasian navy will not be significant within two years.
Arthur is also waiting for the military factory and shipyard to develop the 381mm caliber main gun.
With the technology of the 343mm caliber main gun, and the help of many British military industry experts, the 381mm main gun will surely be born sooner or later.
"Pay close attention to the reception of the British visiting group. The British are our most important partners, and we have the closest relationship with them," Arthur urged.
In order to continue expanding in Southeast Asia and Oceania's islands, it is essential to gain the support of the British.
Moreover, if Australasia wants to take over the German colonies in Oceania, it must have the consent of both Britain and France.
"I understand, Your Majesty. I will prepare the highest reception for the British delegation. The most luxurious hotel in Sydney has prepared the best rooms for them, just waiting for our guests to move in," Prime Minister Kent nodded.
After all, the British are currently the world's number one superpower, and their diplomatic groups will receive the highest local reception wherever they go.
Not to mention that Australasia is of the same root as Britain, even without Arthur's instructions, Prime Minister Kent would prepare the highest reception ceremony for the British delegation.
"Minister Raul, I hope that the Ministry of Defense can submit a plan report on the expansion of colonial divisions as soon as possible. I hope that by 1915, we can have at least 15 colonial divisions, and make them capable of fighting," After instructing Prime Minister Kent, Arthur looked at Minister Raul and said.
One colonial division has nearly 20,000 soldiers, and 15 colonial divisions represent nearly 300,000 soldiers.
But this is not much, after all, Australasia currently has millions of indigenous people, and it is no problem to mobilize 300,000 adult indigenous people to form 15 colonial divisions.
These 15 colonial divisions with 300,000 troops will, if all goes well, become the Australasian expeditionary force, replacing the regular Australasian troops in the war.
Of course, regular divisions will also be deployed, but just not as many. For Arthur, he doesn't care how many native divisions die, but if the regular divisions suffer heavy casualties, Arthur would truly feel hurt.