Chapter 1006: Taking a Desperate Approach (Asking for a Monthly Pass)
The coup d'état in Portugal attracted the attention of the United States on the other side of the ocean and the British government cowering in Canada. After all, it is hard not to wonder what dishonorable role the Germans played in the Portuguese government, which had just rejected Germany's request to buy or lease the Azores, and which had not long been followed by a coup d'état.
The United States and Britain instructed their embassies in Portugal to find out whether there was a German conspiracy behind the coup d'état in Portugal. If so, then they would have to find a way to stop the Germans, or make sure that their interests were not compromised.
"Gentlemen, the coup d'état carried out by the Portuguese Minister of War Cabesadas and his gang has been considered a success. The power of Portugal has been taken over by them. From now on, Portugal entered into a military dictatorship headed by Cabesadas. "Woodrow? Wilson said. Although Portugal is just a small country on the other side of the ocean, the regime change of such a small country does not have much impact on the United States. But, Woodrow? Wilson was almost certain that the coup d'état in Portugal was inseparable from Germany. And the purpose of the Germans seems to be very obvious, that is, for the Azores.
"Your Excellency, although there is no definite evidence yet. But I believe that it must be the Germans who are playing tricks. Before, Sidonio? The Pais government, rejected the request of the Germans to buy the Azores. That's why the Germans planned this military coup so that they could buy the Azores from the new government. The Germans did this solely for the sake of obtaining the Azores in order to have a naval base in the Atlantic Ocean against us. If the Germans were allowed to occupy the Azores, the consequences would be severe. So, we have to find a way to stop the Germans! Secretary of the Navy Daniels said.
Because if the German Navy really has the base in the Azores, it will be the US Navy that will bear the brunt of the threat. This will be a great threat to the US Navy. Therefore, the US Navy absolutely cannot sit idly by on this issue.
"So, gentlemen? What should we do this time? If the coup d'état in Portugal was really behind the scenes by the Germans. Then, the newly appointed government of Cabesadas will definitely sell or lease the Azores to the Germans. In that case, we will not be able to prevent them from owning the Azores. "Woodrow? President Wilson said.
The faces of the high-ranking officials of the US Cabinet have become not very good-looking. After all, after the change of the Portuguese government, they no longer have much influence on the Portuguese government.
"Your Excellency, if it is really impossible to prevent the Germans from occupying the Azores, perhaps we may consider the plan we have put forward earlier." Secretary of War Garrison said suddenly.
Woodrow? President Wilson's brow immediately furrowed. Secretary Garrison's previous plan was to preemptively send troops to capture the Azores without being able to prevent the Germans from occupying the Azores, resulting in a de facto occupation of the Azores. In this way, it may be possible to eliminate the threat to the United States after the Germans occupy the Azores. It is even possible to operate the Azores as a bridgehead for attacking the European continent.
"What if the Germans use this as an excuse to go to war against us?" Woodrow? President Wilson's concern is undoubtedly this. He was almost certain that if the United States did send troops to occupy the Azores, the Germans would not rest on their laurels. When the time comes, war will inevitably break out.
"Your Excellency, we have already discussed this issue before. If the Germans do go to war with us, then we can try to keep the scale of the war around the Azores. Do not let the scale of the war go beyond the Azores. In this case, there is not much threat to us. I don't think the Germans would have been stupid enough to attack our homeland. Secretary Garrison said.
"Your Excellency, we can give it a try. Perhaps, in order to avoid war with us, the Germans will acquiesce in our occupation of the Azores. In that case, we've earned. If the Germans attacked, we could also limit the scale of the war to the Azores. In this case, even if we lose, we will not lose too much. Minister Daniels also said.
There is no doubt that the attitude of the military is clear, and they hope to achieve superiority in the Atlantic through a risky war.
Although, there is a lot of risk involved. However, if it succeeds, it will be of great benefit to the United States.
"Gentlemen, what do you think?" Woodrow? Wilson looked at the other senior cabinet officials.
"Your Excellency, we might be able to give it a try. After all, if the scale of the war is limited to the Azores, even if it fails, it will not have much impact on us, and we can afford it. Treasury Secretary McAdoo said.
"Your Excellency, although the stakes are high. But again, if it is successful, the benefits will also be great. So, I think we can totally give it a try. And, it's not just our business, it's better to pull the British in. Secretary of State Brian said.
"British? How can they help? None of their navies have capital ships left. Minister Daniels said.
"Although the British Navy has collapsed, they still have some small and medium-sized warships that can also participate in the war. In addition, we need to send troops to land in the Azores, and the British can also come in handy in this regard. Brian continued.
Woodrow? President Wilson nodded: "Since everyone agrees, then, let's implement it according to the plan of the War Department." Inform the British side and get them involved. At least, they need to be on board when it comes time to send troops to land in the Azores. ”
"Yes, Your Excellency." Senior cabinet officials in the United States replied one after another.
"Gentlemen, this time is both a threat and an opportunity for the American Republic. Let's hope God bless us! "Woodrow? President Wilson said.
"God bless the American Republic!" Everyone shouted loudly. They all hope for good luck this time.