Holy Roman Empire
Chapter 659
In London, the British government has been busy since news of the outbreak of the Russo-Prussian War.
Prime Minister Benjamin: "What, do you want to expand your army again?"
Army Secretary Fox warned seriously: "Your Excellency, we have not expanded our troops for many years. Except during the war period, the army's establishment has not increased for almost 50 years."
Benjamin replied awkwardly: "Sorry, I made a mistake. Tell me about the reason, why do you want to expand your army?"
The British Army's sense of presence is too low, and it is usually the Navy that requires expansion.Suddenly, the Army ’s application for expansion was received, and Prime Minister Benjamin habitually used “again”.
In this situation, Fox is used to it.This is the status of the British Army. Except when needed, other times rarely attract the attention of the government.
"Prussia-Russia war broke out and the situation in Europe is about to face a reshuffle. We need a strong army to deal with emergencies."
Chancellor of the Exchequer Garfield Bromley Anxilong objected: "No, the situation in Europe is still under our control. As long as the Fauau balance is not broken, there will be no problems.
Moreover, even if the European balance is broken, I do n’t think anything can be changed by expanding the army."
Although it is harsh, it is true.The Austrian standing army is more than 600,000, and the French standing army is close to half a million.
In the war between the two countries, the two countries have mobilized millions of troops, and the total strength of the two countries alone has exceeded 1.2 million.
How much is the British standing army?
136,000!
Of course, this is not the entire arm of the British Empire.In the vast colony, the British also had five or six hundred thousand colonial troops, as well as several civilian armed groups.
But the combat effectiveness of the colonial army is notoriously low.When considering European issues, everyone habitually ignores these troops.
Fox's face darkened instantly, which was naked provocation.In recent wars, the Army ’s performance has not been very good, so he has no confidence to speak.
Regardless of the combat effectiveness of the Army, Fox, as Secretary of the Army, must maintain the dignity of the Army and immediately asked: "Your Excellency, is this doubting the combat effectiveness of the Army?"
Doubt that the combat effectiveness of the army is ok, but it would not work if it was said so openly.Compared with the Royal Navy, the British Army is a younger brother, but there is also a large group of people behind this younger brother.
For one sentence, offending such a large group, obviously not the wise man.
Realizing the falsehood, Garfield remedied immediately: "No, I never doubted the meaning of the army's combat effectiveness.
I mean the army is too few, and there is no way to compare it with other European countries. Even if our army is more powerful, it can't be beaten.
As an island country, it has been decided that Britain ’s focus must be on the sea.Against this background, the power we can put into the army is very limited."
After listening to this explanation, Fox looked a little slower: "It is precisely because of the gap that we have to catch up and close the gap with Fao.
The size of our army is totally out of proportion to Britain's international status.Not to mention deterring Fao, even a third-rate country dares to despise us."
After reading the document, Prime Minister Benjamin took the pen and circled a number to stop the quarrel between the two: "Sir Fox, your expansion plan has exceeded reality.
History has proved that Britain does not have the power to contend for the continent, and the best choice is to maintain balance.
To achieve this goal, diplomacy is the core. The Army does not need to use Fawau as an imaginary enemy, which has exceeded our capabilities."
Faced with this situation, Fox was unimpressed, and this was not the first time the army expansion was rejected.Similar things happen almost every year.
The military does not want to expand its military, especially the army of the stepmother.Whether you can pass it or not, try it every year until the end of the year.
I do not expect to be able to achieve all the goals, as long as I can increase the formation of a regiment, it is a great victory.
"Prime Minister, even if you don't consider the situation in Europe, the colony can't ignore it? In recent years, the colonial pressure has been increasing.
Especially in the Indian colony, we are still preparing to use troops against Afghanistan and Persia.
If the army is not expanded, the colonial army alone may not be able to complete the government ’s plan."
Benjamin frowned, and Austria expanded its influence into the Persian Gulf, and they also felt the pressure.
In order to curb Austria's expansion, the London government formulated a Persian strategy, ready to seize the Persian area before Austria has digested the Arabian Peninsula.
As for the Afghanistan strategy, that is a question left over from history.As the overlord of the world, John Bull also wants to save face. In the past few years, the invasion of Afghanistan failed, so he will naturally find his place.
When the Russian-Russian war broke out, the energy of the Tsarist government was contained in Europe.If the Russians slow down and want to seize the place, it is not as simple as it is now.
Seeing the Prime Minister ’s intention to move, Secretary of the Navy John Vasil immediately demolished the Taiwan Road: "At the current size of the Army, it is indeed impossible to complete so many missions.
But we still have time. After Austria digests the Arabian Peninsula, their next goal should be the Ottoman Empire.Before the demise of Ottomans, we need not worry that they will compete with us for Persia.
The same is true in Afghanistan. The General Russo-Prussian War will not end in a while.We need to worry about this threat only if the tsarist government has won the war.
Judging from the current situation, the probability that the Russians will easily win the war is almost zero.After the war, the tsarist government had to cultivate for at least ten years.
Such a long time is enough for us to do many things.If the Army is unable to complete the mission, our Marines can also do the work."
Suppressing the Army is the core strategy of the Royal Navy, which is no less important than suppressing the two countries, and even more important.
Not enough troops?
After the outbreak of war, temporary expansion is enough, why increase the establishment!
In the eyes of the Navy, the Army is redundant.It is enough for the overseas expansion to have the Royal Navy and colonial troops; the police can do it to maintain the local security. What is the Army doing?
Even if it is to suppress the rebellion, you can put the Marines on board!It ’s a big deal to expand the establishment a little bit, and there is no need for the Army to join in the fun.
Of course, this is just a matter of consideration. No matter how unsatisfied the Army is, the London government cannot be abolished.
Everyone knows the simplest checks and balances.Without the army, wouldn't it be the nation's military power that fell into the hands of the navy.
Benjamin nodded: "This question is set aside first, and then we will discuss it slowly. If the Ministry of the Army is in doubt, we can directly submit it to Parliament for discussion.
Now let ’s talk about the Russo-Prussian War. This war seems to be limited to Eastern Europe. In fact, it has affected the world situation."
The parliament is the best shield. If any problem comes to the parliament, it will not be possible to discuss the results one day or two days. It is the best weapon for delaying time.
Foreign Minister Edward: "The Russian-Russian war can be said to be the largest war in the history of Europe and even humankind.
According to information from the embassy, the total mobilized forces of the two countries are almost over three million.Perhaps it will not take long for both parties to invest millions of troops in fighting.
It is really unimaginable. This is just the two countries. If the two countries are mobilized, it may be even more terrible.
Now that the war has just begun, no one knows the outcome.The only certainty is that this war will be very tragic, and millions of people may be killed."
When speaking, Edward had some lingering fears.Before the outbreak of war, no one expected that Russia and Russia would be so crazy.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer Garfield said directly: "It's a group of lunatics!"
Prime Minister Benjamin waved his hand and pretended to say with ease: "It is not important that the two countries are insane or not. The key is the chain reaction brought about by the war, and what benefits can we gain from this changing international situation?
Needless to say, traders know that arms dealers are about to make a fortune.Let's talk about the changes in the situation in Europe and the world."
Foreign Secretary Edward smiled easily: "Not so serious. If the situation in Europe changes, although it is not yet certain, but as long as France and Austria want to maintain stability, it can be suppressed.
The world situation has less influence. Although the two countries are not weak, neither of them is a colonial empire. Their influence is mainly in Eurasia.
At most, the Far East was hit, but Cyrus ’rulers were too weak. Even if the Russians had no time to look around, most of them would not dare to act rashly.
In fact, we now pick up coffee, eat pastries, and watch the fight between Pu and Russia, we really don't need to do anything!"
Britain has the courage to eat the melons, and no matter what the outcome of the Russo-Prussian War, they will not affect their interests.
Colonial Secretary Robert shook his head: "No, we can still do something. Everyone's attention is drawn to Eastern Europe, so the South American War can follow our script.
Before the end of the Russo-Prussian War, I thought that Austria and the two countries should not care about causing trouble for us. The Chileans had picked up a big bargain this time."
The navies of both Russia and Russia are not good. As a maritime country, Britain can happily make a fortune, but France and Austria on the mainland will not.
The European continent is too small to squeeze so many big powers. It is impossible for the two countries to allow the new powers to rise and occupy their own interests.
Whether it is Austria or France, we must now maintain our attention, stare at the battlefield in Eastern Europe, and be ready to interfere in this war at any time.
To ensure the investment of power on the continent, France and Austria will naturally ignore the South American region in a short period of time. Bolivia and Peru are tragedies.
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