Anti-Japanese War: The whole world is a base vehicle

Chapter 91: A single shot hits the target, the Italian Navy rises!!! (Subscribe please!)

Mussolini knew without a doubt why the German ambassador came: he must be here for the oil.

Money can move people, or perhaps Mussolini underestimated the greed of the great powers.

How could the great powers not be jealous of such a huge fortune?
Moreover, all countries have deeply realized the importance of oil.

How could there be no reaction at all in the face of this huge oil field?

"Mr. Prime Minister, would you like to meet him?" Ciano looked at him and asked cautiously.

"Do you think you should meet him?" Mussolini asked.

Ziano's heart suddenly skipped a beat. He knew that the other party must be angry.

Who made Mussolini the boss at the beginning and others just younger brothers? But now he is the younger brother and has to depend on others for everything.

This feeling is naturally unpleasant, but the situation is stronger than people. No matter how unpleasant it is, Germany now has a pivotal position in the whole of Europe.

If they could really form an alliance with Germany, it might not be a bad thing for them.

"I won't meet you for now. I believe our navy can protect our oil fields." Mussolini shook his head and decided not to meet you for now.

It’s impossible that they would kneel down immediately after being threatened by Britain and France, right?

That's too spineless.

Moreover, it is not certain that anything can be achieved if we meet with the German ambassador at this time.

In other words, Mussolini was simply not willing to be just a younger brother of Germany.

He wanted Italy to become the true hegemon of the Mediterranean.

But he knew that this road might not be easy to walk on, but it didn’t matter, he wanted to give it a try.

"Are we going to go to war with Britain and France?" Ciano hesitated for a moment, but still asked the question that was confusing him.

He did not think Italy could win the war with its strength.

Only by forming an alliance with Germany and relying on their power will it be possible to deal with Britain and France.

"Start a war?" Mussolini murmured, then shook his head.

"Let's first look at the attitudes of Britain and France. We absolutely cannot be soft."

Hearing this, Ziano understood what the other party meant, and this was the only thing he could do now.

The British Empire was not surprised by Italy's attitude, or rather, it had expected it.

The moment the next note was sent, the navy was notified to set out, heading for the Mediterranean.

The purpose is obvious, which is to put pressure on Italy.

But what happened next shocked both sides.

……

The Mediterranean Sea is still as calm as ever, without any disturbance.

Basically, if nothing unexpected happens, there will be no typhoons here all year round, and even the waves will be very small.

However, the originally calm sea surface was now broken by a group of uninvited guests.

The waves cut by the bow rushed to both sides.

Admiral Cunningham, commander of the British Royal Navy, standing on the battleship, looked at the Mediterranean Sea in front of him with a calm face.

Until the officer next to him broke the silence.

"Commander, why are you sending so many warships this time?"

"Even if they wanted to intimidate the Italian Navy, they wouldn't have to use so many warships. They even sent out battleships. Are they really going to fight a war?"

The officer's words attracted the attention of many people, and they all looked at Admiral Kanan Ning, waiting for his answer.

"The reason we dispatched so many warships is certainly not to intimidate the Italian Navy. Their few warships are not worth it for us to dispatch so many warships." Kan An Ning's tone was very calm, but one could clearly hear the arrogance in his tone.

The people around had no expression on their faces. To them, the Royal Fleet was the most powerful fleet in the world.

"What is that? There isn't much of a fleet in the Mediterranean."

"And they have mobilized the Home Fleet. Is there any trouble that our Mediterranean Fleet cannot solve?"

For them, the Mediterranean Fleet was already strong enough and there was no need to deploy the Home Fleet.

Now that the local fleet has been mobilized, it means that the next task will not be so easy.

Are we really going to attack the Italian fleet?

Images of battles with the Italian Navy flashed through the minds of many officers.

fear?

No, the Royal Navy is invincible.

I'm afraid the Italian fleet would be scared to pee their pants when they see them.

"Okay, stop guessing. The main task this time is to block the waters between Italy and Libya and cut off their transportation of oil resources until they are willing to hand over their share of the oil. Of course, if they dare to resist, we will teach them a lesson." Admiral Kananning glanced at everyone and said slowly.

The tone was very calm, but everyone knew it was serious.

"That means we can open fire?" an officer responded subconsciously.

"You can understand it this way. This is an order from the commander-in-chief." Kan An Ning nodded, agreeing with his subordinates' statement.

"Hiss!" Many people couldn't help but gasp. This was equivalent to directly declaring a war. Isn't this too exaggerated?

One of the five major naval powers, directly launched a war without declaring war.

Isn't this too much of a disregard for others?
In fact, Chamberlain was initially prepared to send the Mediterranean Fleet to negotiate, but after being persuaded by George VI, he finally decided to withdraw part of the fleet from the Home Fleet to reinforce the Mediterranean Fleet.

The main consideration is that the Italian navy is not that weak.

If they really fight back desperately, I'm afraid they will cause considerable damage.

Not to mention, there are four old-style battleships. Although the battleships seem to be of average strength, the cruisers are quite powerful.

It owns four heavy cruisers that are said to be the best protected and most powerful in the world, in addition to two Taranto-class heavy cruisers.

Including ten light cruisers and more than sixty submarines, this strength is definitely the overlord of the Mediterranean.

Therefore, after a comparison of strength, the Royal Mediterranean Fleet alone could not defeat the Italian Navy.

After being supplemented by the home fleet, the Mediterranean Fleet led by Admiral Canniin was no weaker than the Italian Navy in strength.

In addition, the Royal Navy's naval artillery is the best in the world, so there is absolutely no problem in fighting the Italian Navy alone.

The arrogant Royal Fleet has never taken the navies of other countries seriously.

There is no way. They are too powerful, and their inherent pride makes them look down on the warships of other powers.

"Report, the destroyer ahead reported that they have spotted the French fleet." Just as they were imagining the next action, a word from the communications staff made them stunned, and then everyone immediately returned to their respective combat posts.

At this time, not far away, more than 20 warships flying the French tricolor flag appeared in their eyes.

"Strange, why would the French warships appear here?" This question flashed through many people's minds.

"Are they acting with us?" someone speculated.

"It's very likely!" Admiral Kan An Ning guessed.

Sure enough, not long after, a telegram was received from the French Navy.
The content is simple: they are friends, not enemies, and the French fleet will follow them.

Hearing this, there were gasps one after another.

They are not rookies and naturally know what joint action means.

When did the Royal Fleet need to join forces with other national fleets?

Basically never.

Even when facing the German High Seas Fleet alone, they remained calm.

There was no sign of panic.

But now they are going to form a joint fleet together, which is interesting.

"Commander, how big is this oil field?" Someone finally realized something was wrong and asked.

"According to the intelligence provided by the Military Intelligence Agency, there are about tens of billions of barrels of oil." Admiral Kananning thought about it and told the truth.

"How much? Tens of billions of barrels of oil?"

"My God, this is worth billions of pounds."

"It's such a large oil field. No wonder so many warships were dispatched."

"Oh my God, no wonder the French fleet showed up."

"Commander, I think there is a high chance that a war will break out."

In fact, if America wasn't so far away, they would have sent a fleet over as well.

Money and silk touch people's hearts!

What’s more, the oil fields are worth tens of billions of dollars, or even hundreds of billions of dollars.

They must be jealous of such a huge oil field.

If this oil field was discovered by the British Empire, no one would dare to take advantage of it, because their strength is enough to protect this oil field.

But Italy is slightly weaker, not to mention that this was discovered in their colonies, not in their homeland.

If it was the mainland, it might be fine, at most they would be forced to give up some shares. Now it is a colony, which means whoever has the bigger fist will win the colony.

Even the British Empire considered exchanging colonies with Italy.

"So, next we have to cheer up and be prepared for battle. Italy will not easily transfer its share of the oil fields." Kanan Ning knew that there was a high probability that a war would break out.

Anyone who is not a fool knows that Italy will never give up this oil field easily.

"Yes."

.........

"What did you say? Discovered the British and French fleets? Heading towards Libya?"

"How many warships? Hundreds?"

"Is the news accurate?" Mussolini was dumbfounded when he heard the news.

"Bastards, these greedy guys."

He had thought it would be difficult to keep the oil field, but he had never imagined it would be like this.

He knew that given the other party's greed, he would definitely not give up this piece of fat meat.

If it were him, he would definitely take a bite.

But sending out hundreds of warships at once is indeed too exaggerated.

"Mr. Prime Minister, what should we do now?" Ciano felt that he should not have refused to meet with the German ambassador last time, and now he was in a passive position.

"Asshole, what else can you do? Are you willing to share the wealth you have obtained with others?" Mussolini roared in anger.

Tens of billions of pounds of wealth, just to be distributed like this? He was indeed unwilling to do so, as this was related to the rise of Italy.

But the hundreds of warships did shock him.

Thinking of this, Mussolini said in a deep voice.

"Order all naval forces to move out, and tell Ribbentrop that I now request a meeting with him."

"Yes." Ziano was speechless for a while. He asked you to meet him not long ago, but you refused. Now you asked to meet him again this time.

never mind!

The key now is how to protect this oil field.

There are only a few hundred warships. Even if we form an alliance with Germany, can we hold on?
Just those dozen old German ships?
The most powerful firepower seems to be only 283mm naval gun. What can they do?
Be a referee?

No, it seems that there are 380mm battleships, but do they really have the courage to face the Royal Fleet?

But since Mussolini said so, Ciano naturally did not dare to refute.

"Let our navy attack?" Ribbentrop almost laughed out loud when he saw the first sentence.

Are you kidding me?
With the navy's limited strength, what can they do by attacking?

Giving someone a head?
What's more, the cunning Redel would never agree to such a request.

"I'm sorry, I'm afraid this request cannot be agreed to." Ribbentrop shook his head after listening.

Historically, the navy basically just dragged its feet, and even when it attacked, it didn't gain much advantage. After suffering heavy losses, it no longer dared to leave the port and completely retreated to the port.

Therefore, it can be seen that the German navy is simply not worthy of being used.

"Why?" Mussolini asked puzzled.

"Based on my understanding of the navy, they don't have the courage." Ribbentrop thought for a moment and then spoke his thoughts.

Hearing this, Mussolini looked embarrassed. , and finally said with gritted teeth.

"We can agree to give 10% of the share to your country."

Hearing this, Ribentropp was indeed a little excited. This was more than a billion barrels of oil, which was a huge number.

I just think that without a strong navy, it would be impossible to maintain these shares.

A man is innocent unless he is in possession of a treasure. Without strong power, he can only be slaughtered by others.

It is impossible to keep such a big piece of fat for yourself, you have to give up part of the profit.

This was Mussolini's idea.

The main reason is that the prices offered by Britain and France were too high.

If it was less, I'm afraid he would have agreed.

"But I will convey the Prime Minister's conditions back. As for whether to agree or not, it is not up to me to decide. Perhaps we can draw out some of the opponent's strength on land." Ribbentrop said after thinking for a while.

In comparison, Mussolini could only sigh. After all, he was still too weak and it was too difficult to control this oil field.

……

"Report, the Italian Navy, two battleships, and five cruisers, are heading towards us." In the Mediterranean, the Royal Fleet is sailing according to the scheduled route.

The two destroyers responsible for monitoring the route immediately sent out an alarm.

"Keep course, all warship personnel return to their posts and prepare for level one combat." Kan An Ning came up and immediately gave the order.

"Yes."

"Report, the reconnaissance plane sent a telegram, discovering the Italian fleet on the left, two battleships, four heavy cruisers, no submarines have been found yet."

"Order, all naval guns ready."

"Yes!"

On the other side, the Italian fleet had already discovered the Royal Fleet.

Especially when he saw that the enemy's naval guns were ready to fire, the Italian naval commander felt somewhat heartbroken.

Is this going to start a war?
"Commander, what should we do?" The two sides are now about 20 nautical miles apart. With the current range of the ship's guns, it is still safe for the time being, but the enemy keeps moving closer, which is very dangerous.

"Send a telegram to the other side and tell them that this is our territory and ask them to leave immediately. Otherwise, they will be responsible for any consequences. Also, have all reconnaissance planes take off. I want to know the exact number of the Royal Fleet." Admiral Campioni, commander of the Italian fleet, was silent for a moment and immediately gave the order.

"Yes."

Not long after, Admiral Cunningham, commander of the Mediterranean Fleet, looked at the telegram in his hand and sneered.

"Call back, if they don't clear the route, we will open fire immediately."

When will the Royal Fleet take the initiative to give way to others?
What's more, this time they have been authorized to take any measures if necessary.

Including opening fire, so Kan An Ning was not afraid at all.

"Yes."

For a moment, the two sides were on the verge of a fight, and all the ship's guns were in operation, ready to fire at any time.

boom!
Suddenly, there was an explosion in the distance, and the commanders of both fleets panicked.

"Damn it, Commander, the damn British opened fire. They actually fired at us." The operations staff said to Admiral Campione with an incredulous look in his eyes.

"Find out which warship opened fire, quickly." Admiral Campioni was calm and not at all panicked.

He now has to figure out who did it.

Not long after, the operations staff reported.

"It was a British cruiser that opened fire, apparently to warn us."

"Keep on guard. If the British continue to fire, fire back immediately without asking for instructions." Admiral Campioni was no coward and spoke immediately.

It's already this time. Whoever gives in will be a coward, and the oil fields will definitely not be able to be preserved.

Maybe at that time it will not be 50% of the shares, but more shares.

"Who told you to open fire?" Admiral Kan An Ning frowned when he received the news. He didn't expect that it was his own people who opened fire first.

He always felt that there was something strange about this firing.

"Report, the shells were fired because the gunner was nervous. The Italian Navy has not retaliated yet. Should we continue firing?" The operations staff casually attributed the previous firing to the gunner's nervousness.

Kan An Ning didn't think much about what the operations staff said.

In fact, even if there are doubts, we have to investigate after it is over. Nothing can be found out now, or some people are hoping for a conflict to break out.

"Stay alert, don't let your guard down, be careful..."

"Boom!" Before Kan An Ning could finish his words, an explosion that resounded through the sky exploded in everyone's ears.

Through the telescope, you can clearly see a beam of fire rising into the sky, followed by billowing smoke.

"Damn it, that's our cruiser, who did it?" Kan An Ning's eyes were bloodshot and he turned his head and roared.

"Open fire, open fire immediately, and teach these bitch Italian navy a lesson."

He no longer wanted to find out who did it. Anyway, the Royal Fleet was attacked, and in order to save the face of the Royal Fleet, they had to open fire.

At this time, the captain of the Italian Navy's Pola looked at his masterpiece and couldn't help feeling proud.

One shot into the soul!
It is very beautiful indeed!
At least morale among the Italian navy was high.

This made him very proud. He didn't expect to hit the target in the first round. His luck was really good.

Admiral Campione looked at the British light cruiser that was hit in the distance with a dull look on his face.

"Did our people do this?"

I wrote this in the car with my phone. I won't update the old book. It's annoying. There were two earthquakes in four days. People are panicking! This is the first time in 30 years that I have felt an earthquake so directly. It's really scary.


(End of this chapter)