Chapter 445: Separation of Public and Private Interests
Albert I made this decision with Belgium's interests at heart, also considering the political implications. He viewed Charles as a businessman, a capitalist whose primary goal was profit. This made things simpler, at least he wouldn't have to deal with the constant interference from the political leaders of Britain and France, who were eager to control Belgium's internal affairs.
More importantly, Albert I only had to contend with Charles himself, not with a group of greedy, unscrupulous politicians from Britain and France.
What's more, if Charles wanted, all he needed to do was give a command to withdraw his troops, and the recently liberated territories would immediately fall back into danger. Only Charles could do this, and neither Britain nor France could do anything to stop it.
Thus, despite the generous offer made by General Winter, who proposed to provide artillery production lines, Albert I decisively rejected it.
Later, Colonel Eden, who was present during the discussions, expressed some concern. "As far as I know, the artillery Charles is purchasing is British-made, and it doesn't seem particularly suitable for use in fortifications." Belgium's fortresses mainly used artillery imported from Germany.
Years ago, Germany had cleverly supplied Belgium with export versions of artillery: the 150mm guns had a meager range of only 10 kilometers, while the 120mm guns had a range of only 8.5 kilometers, similar to France's 75mm guns.
If they wanted to implement Charles's defensive system, replacing these artillery pieces would be essential.
Colonel Eden had inquired about the specifications of Charles's artillery, and he knew that the 6-inch 26-pound howitzers had a range of only 10.4 kilometers.
"These are quite similar to what we already have, Your Majesty," Eden said. "If we replaced them with these, I'm not sure if we'd gain much."
"But these guns are more powerful than what we currently have," Albert I countered.
"That's true, Your Majesty," Eden replied. "But we're using them in fortifications, not to assault enemy positions. So, range is more important than power."
Albert I fell silent.
Eden's point was valid: the primary role of the fortress artillery was to keep enemy artillery at bay, so range was indeed more important.
However, after some thought, Albert I suddenly had an idea. "Why don't we add 'Saint Chamond' artillery as well? Just like Charles said, we should be prepared for both offense and defense!"
This reminder triggered something in Colonel Eden, and after some thought, he agreed. "You're right, Your Majesty. The 'Saint Chamond' is an offensive artillery piece. It would complement our static fortifications perfectly, allowing us to strike enemy artillery effectively. A great idea!"
And with that, the decision was made.
Although Charles's artillery wasn't perfect, Albert I would find a way to make it so.
It may seem like a stretch, but Albert I felt it was necessary. By protecting Charles's interests, he was also ensuring Belgium's interests.
Additionally, Albert I decided that all of Charles's products, whether military or civilian, would be exempt from taxes for the next ten years, at least while Charles was helping to build Belgium's defense system.
The next item to purchase would be the "Saint Étienne 2" machine gun, an excellent weapon to enhance infantry firepower. If possible, it would be great to have Charles set up a factory in Belgium.
The land in Antwerp wasn't large enough, but they would find another plot…
...
In the fortifications, Charles wasn't concerned with such matters. His focus remained solely on the battle at hand. As long as the Germans hadn't surrendered, he couldn't afford to relax.
"The biggest danger in a siege is night combat," Charles said, pointing at the map. "Our armored units are almost useless at night."
Tijani chuckled. "The units that can't fight at night have still managed to defeat the Germans twice at night."
Charles paused, then remembered when Christine had used the "Saint Chamond M21" to launch a night attack on the German First Tank Division in Cambrai.
Tijani was referring to that incident.
"Things were different then, General," Charles replied. "Those victories were more about catching the enemy off guard. The armored units didn't play a major role."
"I know," Tijani nodded. "But I think we don't need to worry too much about that. The reason is that we have Molotov cocktails."
Charles looked at him with a puzzled expression, prompting Tijani to elaborate.
"Yes, I've distributed them to the 9th Army, and they've prepared many of them. If the Germans attack at night, do you know what will happen?"
"The Molotov cocktails will illuminate the attacking Germans, and they'll be gunned down by our machine guns on the other side of the barbed wire."
"Oh, by the way, I heard General Foch urgently requisitioned a batch of 'Saint Étienne 2' machine guns."
"That was my suggestion. No need to thank me!"
Tijani felt like he had landed Charles a big deal.
One day, Foch's Northern Army Group would be fully equipped with "Saint Étienne 2" guns.
But Charles wasn't impressed. "Do you think I need to thank you? The 'Saint Étienne 2' is in short supply now!"
It was something that everyone was fighting over, so did he really need Tijani to help him sell it?
The 9th Army had received priority because of the urgency of the situation, but otherwise, they wouldn't have been able to get it.
"Fine!" Tijani rolled his eyes. "Let's pretend I didn't say anything!"
Then Charles reminded him, "Have you considered something, General? Molotov cocktails are too simple. We can use them, but so can the Germans. Especially if they throw them into the trenches, the damage will be far greater. What if there are many Molotov cocktails in the trenches…"
Tijani's smile froze, and he immediately nodded. "I'll call Major General Savinian right now."
Charles grunted in acknowledgment and returned his focus to the map.
He believed that as long as the 9th Army was prepared, the siege wouldn't be an issue.
The most awkward situation for the Germans would be that even if they managed to break out, they wouldn't be able to get very far by morning. As soon as daylight broke, they would be caught in an open field by the armored units, and that would be a massacre.
At this moment, a guard came forward with a report. "Brigadier General, General Winter would like to see you."
Charles was surprised. Hadn't he done something wrong and should be keeping his distance? Why was Winter coming to him voluntarily?
After inviting General Winter in, Charles's first question was, "Are you here to apologize?"
"Apologize? No, Brigadier General," Winter said calmly. "I'm here to visit a friend. I heard he just won a great victory, and the whole world is talking about him. I'm proud of him."
Charles laughed. "Your expertise in 'shamelessness' is impressive."
"That's because I know I haven't done anything wrong, Brigadier General," Winter said, surveying the fortress. Without hesitation, he dragged a chair over and sat in front of Charles. "I'm British, and I have to consider Britain's interests. This has nothing to do with our friendship. We must be clear about the separation of public and private interests, don't you agree?"
"Interesting," Charles said, placing his pencil on the table, staring at Winter without expression. "I'd like to know, are you considering Britain's interests or 'the Navy Minister's' interests? Also, what benefit have you gained?"
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