Chapter 894: The Mediterranean becomes an inner lake (seeking monthly pass)
Though, the Egyptian army was terrible at fighting. However, the main force of the British army has been eliminated by the German army. In addition, these Egyptians adapted to the terrain here, which made them perform well in the next battle.
The main force of the German 8th Army turned to the east and attacked the Suez Canal. This canal is undoubtedly the most important thing in Egypt in Germany. Compared with others, this important waterway connecting the East and the West is the top priority.
With Germany already in control of Gibraltar, if Germany controls the Suez Canal again. That is equivalent to blocking the beginning and end of the Mediterranean Sea. It can be said that the entire Mediterranean is under the control of Germany. If Germany wants, they can even cut off the trade between East and West at any time.
Of course, you can also bypass the Cape of Good Hope in Africa. However, that would be very troublesome. Most of the ships now go through the Suez Canal.
The British army is in the Suez Canal, and there are not many troops left. Facing the German attack, they simply could not resist. However, when the British army retreated, they planted a large amount of explosives on both sides of the canal. When they couldn\'t hold on and had to retreat, the British detonated these explosives. The banks on both sides of the canal were bombed in many places. After the German army took over here, they had to send people to repair it.
Even so, the Battle of Egypt also ended with the victory of the German army. Although, the British made a dying struggle, but it was not of much use at all. After all, the Suez Canal is not like the Panama Canal, which consists of locks and the like. If the locks and other major buildings are blown up like the Panama Canal, it will take a long time for the canal to reopen.
"Your Majesty, the 8th Army has already completed the Battle of Egypt. The entire campaign took only half a month. Admiral Ludendorff plans to let the troops rest for a week while waiting for logistical supplies before marching to the Middle East!" Feng ? Field Marshal Falkenhain reported.
Qin Tian nodded, this time the German army\'s attack on the British colony could not be completed in a short time. That takes a year or two. Qin Tian also knew that there was no rush. What\'s more, when fighting in North Africa, although the enemy\'s strength is not strong, they need to fight against the harsh climate. The heat, drought and sandstorm will be unbearable for German soldiers who have not adapted there. The non-combat attrition caused by acclimatization is even greater than the loss in the war. Under such circumstances, it is undoubtedly important to slow down the pace of attack and ensure the combat effectiveness of the troops.
"The military and the government must cooperate with each other in Egypt to ensure that we control Egypt. At least, Egypt must become a dog we raise. We let them bite whoever they bite!" Qin Tian said.
"Yes, Your Majesty." All the military and political ministers of the empire replied.
"Your Majesty, when the British were retreating, they used a large amount of explosives to blow up both sides of the Suez Canal. Now, although the navigation of the canal has not been greatly affected. However, further repairs are needed." Prime Minister Biluo said.
"Let\'s set up a special canal management company to be responsible for the maintenance, management and charging of the canal. Tell the Egyptian Sultan to ensure the safety of the canal. In this way, we can give him 20% of the annual canal navigation fee .” Qin Tian said.
Although Germany is powerful, it is too far away from the canal. If the Egyptians make a little move on the canal, Germany really has nothing to do about it. Giving a little profit to the Egyptians will also allow them to devote themselves to the affairs of the canal.
"Yes, Your Majesty." Prime Minister Biluo nodded, of course he understood the truth.
"Your Majesty, we cannot completely let the Egyptians be responsible for the defense of the canal, we must have an armed force under our own control. In this case, not only will we be able to station a force in the canal area, but we will also be able to ensure that our opponents Control of Egypt. Once there is an unexpected change in Egypt, we can send troops immediately." Von Falkenhain suggested.
Qin Tian thought for a while, and then said: "Let\'s set up a canal security force! It has ten brigades under its jurisdiction, and each brigade is a battalion. The training and equipment are all in accordance with the army\'s standards. In this case, more than ten thousand people The army can not only ensure our control of the canal, but also ensure our influence in Egypt. As for the funds for this army, let it be spent from the navigation fee of the canal!"
"Yes, Your Majesty." Marshal von Falkenhain and Prime Minister Bilot both nodded.
"Your Majesty, we are stationing military forces in the canal. This may cause dissatisfaction in other countries. After all, all countries in the world agreed to demilitarize the canal." Foreign Minister Wahit said.
"We don\'t have troops stationed there, they\'re just security forces, not armed forces!" Qin Tian was clearly playing with words.
Wacht didn\'t say much, he was just reminding Qin Tian. Since Qin Tian already knew, there was no need to say anything more. Wahit believed that Qin Tian could handle it well.
Perhaps, countries will protest because of Germany\'s stationing of armed forces in the Suez Canal, but is protest useful? They dare not take any substantive action at all. Therefore, Germany has no need to pay attention to the protests of other countries. As the hegemon of the world, Germany is a bit arrogant and unreasonable, and other countries have no way to do anything to Germany.
"Now Gibraltar and the Suez Canal are under our control, and the entire Mediterranean Sea is like an inner lake under our control!" Marshal Reinhard Scheer, Secretary of the Navy, said excitedly.
After all, the territories on the northern coast of the Mediterranean Sea belong to various countries. However, almost all the land on the southern coast of the Mediterranean Sea has become a German colony. The Mediterranean has really become a lake in Germany.