Chapter 593: A Perfect Opportunity to Attack
Charles learned the news directly from Foch—not through Weygand, but rather through an official telegram from Foch himself, phrased formally:
"Given that some ammunition supplies originate from Britain, it has been decided that the British shall assume responsibility for supplying all French troops stationed in the Belgian sector."
On the surface, there seemed nothing unusual or unreasonable about this decision. Britain and France were allies, and it made logistical sense for American shipments arriving at Antwerp to be distributed directly to the Belgian front.
Yet any clear-eyed observer would immediately spot the hidden dangers—the very significant dangers—in such an arrangement.
When Tijani saw the telegram, he let out a sarcastic laugh:
"Wonderful! Parliament has handed us over to the British! Now they control our lifeline. Whatever the British demand, we'll have to do it. Otherwise, we risk starving or being forced to face the Germans armed only with empty rifles!"
Charles didn't respond, silently absorbed in reading the newspaper. A passenger liner, the Lusitania, carrying British and American civilians, had just been sunk by a German U-boat. Out of 1,198 passengers and crew lost, at least 124 were American.
The incident sparked international outrage. Britain and the United States condemned Germany furiously, branding the sinking as murder and piracy. Germany countered, claiming the liner was secretly transporting military supplies, pointing out its suspiciously rapid sinking after being torpedoed—just 18 minutes—implying hidden explosives aboard.
Charles quietly turned the page, still silent.
"Aren't you going to say anything?" Tijani asked, waving the telegram.
"What can I say?" Charles replied calmly.
"Oh, I get it!" Tijani suddenly exclaimed, eyes brightening. "Your anti-submarine operations are about to begin. Soon, we'll seize control of supply lines, reversing our positions. That's why you're unconcerned."
Charles shook his head slightly, smiling. "No, General. It's still not the right time."
"Not the right time?" Tijani looked bewildered.
Their 6th Army and 1st Armored Corps were on the verge of severe shortages, a looming crisis. How could Charles casually say it wasn't time yet?
Just then, a guard entered to announce, "General, General Winter is here. He wishes to see you."
Charles folded his newspaper, rising from his chair. He glanced meaningfully at Tijani. "It appears you're not the only anxious one."
Initially, Tijani didn't grasp Charles's meaning. Only when General Winter walked in did Tijani suddenly realize—the British navy was equally eager to launch anti-submarine operations.
Indeed, after quickly congratulating Charles on his promotion to Lieutenant General, Winter moved directly to the pressing issue.
"The situation is far graver than expected," Winter declared solemnly, pulling out a file and handing it to Charles. "In October, we lost 181 ships; by November, that number rose to 259. This month isn't even finished yet, and we've already lost 325 vessels—more than half a million tons sunk!"
Both Winter and Tijani turned expectantly to Charles, their expressions clearly asking, "Isn't it time to act now?"
But Charles repeated, "Not yet. Wait a little longer."
"What exactly are we waiting for?" Winter asked, puzzled and slightly frustrated.
"There's something you should know," he added. "The First Lord of the Admiralty has returned home to become Minister of Munitions."
Charles answered decisively, "Our destroyers aren't ready yet, General. They still need more time."
Winter, having no direct insight into French naval preparations, sighed resignedly.
Tijani stared at Charles in astonishment. He knew Charles's statement was untrue—the destroyers were fully prepared.
…
In Berlin, at the German General Staff Headquarters on Wilhelmstrasse, Chief of Staff Erich von Falkenhayn was hosting Lieutenant General Nicholas and Colonel Erwin (recently promoted from Lieutenant Colonel).
After warmly greeting both men, Falkenhayn praised them openly: "Despite losing Namur, I've studied the battle thoroughly. You performed admirably, especially during the final withdrawal, preserving the strength of our army and preventing a complete breakthrough."
The withdrawal order, suggested by Colonel Erwin, convinced Falkenhayn of the young officer's remarkable tactical insight.
"Thank you for your praise, General," Nicholas replied respectfully.
Falkenhayn, standing and pacing thoughtfully, turned toward Erwin. "Colonel Erwin, I've heard you've closely studied Charles's tactics?"
Erwin immediately straightened, responding clearly, "I merely wish not to die at Charles's hands, General."
Falkenhayn regarded Erwin with appreciation, smiling. He clapped him on the shoulder approvingly. "Then tell me, Colonel—can you anticipate Charles's next move?"
Erwin replied confidently, "General, I might not know exactly what Charles plans next, but I do know what he must inevitably do."
Intrigued, Falkenhayn leaned closer. "And what must Charles inevitably do?"
Erwin gestured toward the strategic map on the wall. Falkenhayn nodded permission, prompting Erwin to approach the map and explain clearly:
"Charles's forces are concentrated in Belgium, and the Entente recently placed Belgian-sector supply distribution under British control. Critically, both the British and French Parliament want to weaken Charles."
"Therefore," Erwin continued, "Charles's forces will soon suffer shortages, particularly gasoline for armored vehicles."
Falkenhayn's eyes flashed with excitement. This was precisely the opportunity he'd been waiting for—a perfect chance to attack.
"So, your proposal is...?" Falkenhayn urged.
Erwin pointed decisively to Antwerp. "Antwerp is the supply hub selected by the British. If we rapidly encircle Antwerp while simultaneously tightening our submarine blockade, the Allies on the Western Front—especially Charles's troops—will quickly face a critical supply crisis."
Falkenhayn exchanged shocked glances with Nicholas. This was a bold plan impacting the entire Western Front.
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