Chapter 248: Black Lion
Molotov was not the only one with this idea.
Britain.
Churchill, who had just finished his speech, had also realized the strategic value of the eastern bear.
He stood before a map, staring at the vast lands of Soviet Russia, while behind him, several naval generals meticulously discussed a plan to attack the French Navy.
"Two late-night reconnaissance aircraft detected a large number of French naval warships still docked in Oran Harbor. Most of them have not left their berths."
A naval officer with the rank of colonel pointed to the Mediterranean chart and spoke based on the latest intelligence.
"At present, in the entire Mediterranean, only Germany's First Aircraft Carrier Fleet is roaming. Due to previous naval battles, that carrier group has not completed a full blockade of the area."
"If we launch a surprise attack on Oran Harbor before dawn, we have a seventy percent chance of wiping out the entire French naval force there at the cost of only one destroyer."
"What if Germany sends reinforcements?"
William May, the First Lord of the Admiralty, offered his opinion with a heavy expression.
"I still believe this plan is too risky. Our investigation of Germany's air and sea power remains incomplete, and Germany currently possesses absolute initiative in the Mediterranean."
The Mediterranean chart was spread across the table.
William May tapped the location of Italy, then continued, "While we act, notify the Italian Navy to launch a surprise attack on Marseille."
"An attack on a home port will inevitably draw the attention of both Germany and France."
"This will divert Germany's focus and cause them to relax their vigilance in the English Channel and the Bay of Biscay."
His finger then shifted to another point on the map.
"Our target will also shift from the Middle East to Étretat."
The senior naval officers present were all familiar with this port.
Étretat, located along the French coast, housed the French First Cruiser Fleet.
Although the number of ships there was not particularly large, it was a safer and more efficient target compared with sailing deep into the Mediterranean.
Everyone nodded slightly.
The setbacks of the war had quietly changed their mindset. All tactical execution now leaned toward conservatism and stability. Everyone supported William May's idea.
But the final decision still rested with Churchill.
Churchill, who had been immersed in thoughts of how to force Germany into a two-front war, was pulled back to reality by the silence in the conference room.
After listening carefully to his aide's report, he nodded and said, "My only requirement is to weaken the French Navy as much as possible."
"As for which port you attack, that is your business."
"Are there any other questions?"
William May asked, "Mr. Prime Minister, there is one more question."
"Since we need the Italians to draw Germany's attention, how do we convince Mussolini to agree to what is essentially a suicidal operation?"
At the mention of Italy, Churchill's eyes twitched.
That country, lulled to sleep by the warm breeze of the Mediterranean, had already proven its lack of combat effectiveness on the Balkan Peninsula.
Its only remaining value was a decent Mediterranean fleet.
But given that Germany was about to launch a land offensive against Italy, even this single advantage would soon disappear.
Since that was the case, it was better to squeeze out Italy's value while it still could be used.
"I will handle this matter."
Churchill's tone was decisive.
"The codename for this operation is Black Lion."
Everyone dispersed.
Only Churchill remained in the conference room, gazing at the world map.
After a long silence, he asked his aide for an opinion.
"Ken, do you think we can establish contact with Soviet Russia and persuade them to attack Germany?"
Ken was stunned by the question.
An alliance with the Red Bear was the ultimate taboo.
It meant that the government would lose the support of many nobles.
Commoners could hardly shake the foundation of Britain, but the aristocracy was the lifeblood of government operations.
From the House of Lords to the House of Commons, and even to the Army, most officers and politicians held titles.
"Mr. Churchill, you are not joking, are you?"
Ken hesitated, then spoke carefully.
"In my personal opinion, this… is not a good choice."
"Moreover, Soviet Russia has recently made strong territorial claims against Finland."
"To win them over means supporting their territorial demands against Finland. That would plunge us into an even more complex diplomatic dilemma."
Churchill understood Ken's warning very well.
But no matter how he looked at it, Soviet Russia was the largest enforcer he could find in Europe.
With Soviet intervention, Germany would face the predicament of a two-front war.
And Soviet Russia's unique territorial position could directly threaten Germany's land routes to the Middle East, paralyzing Germany's oil supply.
No matter how Churchill calculated, the benefits outweighed the drawbacks.
However, resolving the nobles' distrust would become an entirely new problem if he truly pursued cooperation.
After thinking for a long while, Churchill hid this firm idea deep in his heart and instead said, "Contact Mussolini."
"It is time to make this chess piece, a flickering candle in the wind, play its greatest role."
Meanwhile.
Rome, Palazzo Venezia.
Mussolini was holding his lover in his arms, speaking to her about his visions for the future.
Clara Petacci whispered, "Let us leave."
Her voice carried deep unease.
"The international situation is becoming more dangerous by the day. Although Germany is not attacking Italy right now, one day their tanks will cross the border."
"Even the fishermen of Sicily know this."
She looked at him pleadingly.
"Let us leave now and get away from all this. We can go to America, Switzerland, or even somewhere as far away as Japan."
Facing Petacci's plea, Mussolini turned his head.
His silence already revealed his attitude.
Although he had been chased and beaten by the Germans in the Balkans, although the Greater Rome plan had failed before it could even take its first true step, he had never thought of giving up.
Restoring the glory of Rome.
Turning the Mediterranean into an Italian lake.
These grand words might be something he would never abandon until death.
Knock, knock, knock.
Someone knocked on the door, and the secretary's voice sounded softly from outside.
"Sir, an urgent telegram has arrived from Britain. I wonder if you…"
"I know."
After giving Petacci a look instructing her to go into the bedroom, Mussolini wiped the lipstick from his face, straightened his wrinkled collar, and said, "Come in."
Smelling the perfume that filled the room, the secretary, long accustomed to such things, stepped forward and reported in a low voice.
"Sir, Britain is preparing to organize a naval attack on the Marseille region of France. Their goal is to break through the French defenses and thereby relieve pressure on our border."
As he spoke, the secretary handed Mussolini the report from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
After reading it carefully, Mussolini did not find any obvious problems.
At present, Italy and Germany were locked in a stalemate in the Mediterranean region.
With the intervention of Britain, a naval power, Italy's pressure at sea could be significantly alleviated.
Moreover, if he helped Britain, he could use this opportunity to ask Churchill to send more troops to Italy.
After all, now that France had fallen, Italy desperately needed a new ally.
"Reply to Churchill."
Mussolini signed his name in the agreement column.
"Tell him I agree to this operation, but I need a detailed operational plan to ensure the authenticity of the action."
He waved his hand, signaling for the secretary to leave.
A moment later, Petacci emerged from the bedroom.
She had clearly heard everything. Her face looked troubled, full of worry for Mussolini, yet she was afraid to speak too directly.
After a while, she still spoke from the heart.
"Are you truly not going to leave?"
Mussolini shook his head.
"I am sorry, Petacci."
His voice was low, but firm.
"Italy is everything to me."
"Rebuilding Rome is my ideal."
"For this ideal, I am willing to give everything."
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