Chapter 238: Intervention of Great Powers (Additional Update 2)
After quietly listening to Minister Kent’s report, Arthur smiled and nodded, saying: “Commander Fritz did a good job this time. I believe that after the support army is wiped out, the Portuguese will It’s time to consider whether to continue to fight against Australasia.”
The previous three colonies combined had only 3,000 regular Portuguese troops, and the Portuguese government had not yet realized the power of Australasia.
But things are different now. Although the specific size of this support army is not known, there are definitely tens of thousands of people.
Even excluding the African natives who served as cannon fodder, the number of Portuguese soldiers was definitely around 10,000.
You know, Portugal is not a populous country. Even so far, Portugal's population has only just exceeded six million.
The loss of these 10,000 Portuguese soldiers is definitely a huge hemorrhage for the Portuguese government. Even if it is not to the point of breaking the bones, it will at least give the Portuguese government a headache.
More importantly, even with the loss of more than 10,000 troops, the situation of the war still did not improve.
How many 10,000 men can Portugal lose? The colonies of Guangmao in Africa also require a large number of troops to be stationed. Portugal may not feel bad if the indigenous soldiers die, but the Portuguese casualties are real and can shake the country.
"Even if the Portuguese government still refuses to give up, I'm afraid they don't have much strength left." Minister Kent said with a smile: "According to our intelligence, Portugal has a total of 60,000 native troops and 80,000 colonial troops."
" Although it seems to have an army of up to 140,000, there are only no more than 80,000 Portuguese among them. Including the losses in the previous three wars, Portugal should have lost more than 10,000 Portuguese soldiers so far, plus one Thousands of indigenous troops. While retaining native and colonial garrison troops, Portugal can mobilize less than 50,000 troops, which is no longer enough to pose a threat to us." Minister Kent said.
At this point, I have to praise the contribution of the Royal Security Intelligence Service and David, the European Royal Affairs Director.
Although it is not possible to obtain core confidential information, the military strength of major European countries is still roughly clear.
To put it bluntly, Portugal is a country with a population similar to that of Australasia, and its economy and industry may not have advantages.
Coupled with the long distance between Europe and the battlefield, Portugal's logistical burden was increased in disguise.
If Portugal still transports 20,000 to 20,000 troops, it will be defeated one by one by Australasia.
But currently Portugal does not have more transport ships and fleets, so it cannot allow soldiers to move from Europe to Asia. Then the army may not be able to reach Asia even after the war is over.
"But, Your Majesty, we still have an unsolved problem." Minister Kent said, looking at Arthur.
"You mean the Portuguese fleet?" Arthur frowned and asked.
"Yes, Your Majesty. It is impossible for the Portuguese army to match ours, but the current navy does have an advantage. If we cannot find a way to deal with their navy, our army in India may become a caged bird, and may even be The risk of them sieging," Minister Kent said, nodding.
India and the mainland of Australasia are not connected, and the most important mode of transportation at present is sea transportation.
But if Portuguese warships blockaded the coast of Portuguese India, the only way to transport supplies to India would be airships.
However, airship transportation of supplies depends on weather and other reasons, and it is not 100% safe. This can only be used as a special method. If you want to rely on airships to transport supplies, it is inevitably not safe.
"It is currently unrealistic to rely on our strength to deal with the Portuguese navy. Kent, do you have any good ideas?" Arthur asked with a frown.
"At present, there are two methods, both of which can solve the problems we are currently facing." Minister Kent said: "The first method is to invite European powers to intervene to end this war. We have good relations with Germany and Russia. The UK should and will not stand against us. Judging from the current relationship between Britain and France, France should not have anything to worry about. Coupled with the public opinion from Europe, as long as these powers stand on our side and achieve our needs It's not difficult."
At this time, I have to praise Arthur for maintaining good relations with the major European powers.
Germany and Russia should support Australasia for Arthur's sake. Because of blood ties and Arthur's favorability in the UK, it was impossible for the UK to go against public opinion and stand on the opposite side of Australasia.
The remaining France cannot offend the above three countries for Portugal, so it is called intervention by the powers at best, but it is called forcing Portugal to negotiate peace at worst.
Arthur nodded and did not draw a conclusion directly, but continued to ask: "Then there is another way?"
Minister Kent looked at Arthur's face, and then continued: "There is another way relatively speaking. There are more risks, and we may also gain more benefits."
"Oh? Tell me."
"Your Majesty, the first battleship we built for Russia seems to be almost completed, right?" Minister Kent suddenly asked.
Arthur was stunned, and then understood what Minister Kent meant.
Of the two dreadnoughts built by Australasia for Russia, the first battleship, the Petropavlovsk, is almost completed and has entered the launch test stage.
Although the current actual performance has not been truly tested, this is a genuine dreadnought after all.
The Portuguese Navy does not even have battleships, so it is naturally impossible for it to be an opponent of this dreadnought.
But the problem is that Petropavlovsk is the first dreadnought ship built for Russia, and Russia and Australasia also have good relations.
Private use of the dreadnought would certainly undermine the trust between Russia and Australasia.
What's more, it will take some time before the construction of the Petropavlovsk is completed. In addition, no tests and sea voyages have been conducted, and Australasian naval soldiers have not yet truly controlled a dreadnought. This battleship can The true strength exerted remains to be considered.
This battleship will only be used when it is absolutely necessary, but as the war still maintains its advantage, Arthur does not intend to use it.
"Using the Petropavlovsk is not a good plan. Let's invite the European powers to intervene in the war! Contact Governor David and the ambassadors of various countries to express our expectations for peace and our willingness to stop the war." Arthur finally agreed Choosing the first method would at least satisfy Arthur's goal without too many surprises.
A second chapter has been added for Gu Gu Guwan, the leader of the alliance. Brothers, please support me! Asking for a monthly ticket! (It’s been a long day today, so I’m begging for support!)
(End of this chapter)