Manila, Southern Army Headquarters.
Southern Army Commander General Hitoshi Anami was staring blankly, a victory report from the Netherlands East Indies Expeditionary Army Headquarters in his hand. The news he had received earlier was that the Netherlands East Indies Expeditionary Army had been battered bloody against the German defensive line and suffered heavy losses. How had they defeated the Germans and gained a foothold in eastern Borneo in the blink of an eye? The change had come far too quickly.
"Tsukada, is the information in this telegram true? Did the Netherlands East Indies Expeditionary Army really win?" General Hitoshi Anami asked.
"Commander, it is indeed strange. However, I have already confirmed it with the Netherlands East Indies Expeditionary Army Headquarters. They have indeed gained a foothold in eastern Borneo," Lieutenant General Tadaichi Tsukada replied.
General Hitoshi Anami furrowed his brow. He still felt there were far too many questionable points.
"Commander, I will have someone verify it again!" Lieutenant General Tadaichi Tsukada said.
General Hitoshi Anami nodded.
As the Southern Army Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Tadaichi Tsukada wielded considerable authority. He also had his own trusted men throughout the Southern Army. In less than an hour, he learned what this so-called victory was really about.
When Lieutenant General Tadaichi Tsukada reported what he had learned to General Hitoshi Anami, the general was rendered somewhat speechless as well.
"Those fellows—the Germans had clearly withdrawn on their own, yet they are claiming the credit for themselves." General Hitoshi Anami's expression was somewhat unpleasant.
"Commander, there is nothing to be done about it. The Netherlands East Indies Expeditionary Army suffered heavy losses in the previous battles. Announcing a victory at this time will probably help restore morale," Lieutenant General Tadaichi Tsukada said.
"No matter what, the Netherlands East Indies Expeditionary Army has