Toronto, British Prime Minister House. British Foreign Minister Edward? Sir Gray is reporting United States's proposal to Churchill.
"Prime Minister and United States have been able to conclude that the military coup that occurred in Portugal was caused by the Germany people. It is expected that the Portugal government will soon sell Azores to the Germany people.. Once the Germany people occupy Azores, it may not be a good thing for both of us. At that time, German navy can use Azores as a base to directly pose a threat to us," Sir Edward Gray said with a serious face.
The expression on Churchill's face is also very serious. As British Prime Minister, the former First Sea Lord, of course he knows the important strategic position of Azores in Atlantic Ocean. At the beginning, when British Empire dominated the world, Azores's strategic position was not high. At that time, British Empire Royal Navy no country could compete with it. However, it is completely different now. British mainland fell, and British government could only retreat to Canada. Although American Navy has been vigorously developing its navy, their naval strength is still much worse than that of German Navy. If Germany builds Azores into a naval base, then the navies of the United Kingdom and the United States will probably be compressed in the west Atlantic Ocean. At that time, let alone counterattack European continent, it will be very difficult to even enter the east Atlantic Ocean.
"You can even think with your toes that the military coup that happened in Portugal was done by Germany people. But, even if we know, what can we do? There is nothing we can do about Germany people!" Churchill looked a little helpless. Now British Empire is in decline. If Germany doesn't cross the sea to attack them, then it will be considered a blessing by God.
"Prime Minister, Americans proposed to seize Azores first. Before Germany people react, it will become a fait accompli. In this case, we may occupy Azores." Edward Sir Gray said.
"Germany people will let us occupy Azores? This is almost impossible!" Churchill frowned tightly.
"If the Germany people don't want to go to war with United States, they will suffer a dumb loss. But if the Germany people don't hesitate to fight United States, then we may not be able to defend Azores. However,, United States believes that even if the Germany people attack, they will be able to control the battle around Azores. In this case, even if the plan fails, the damage will not be huge," said Sir Edward.
Churchill nodded. "It is indeed possible to succeed, but the possibility is very small. Moreover, the risk is very high."
"Yes, Prime Minister. But Americans still plans to give it a try! After all, if it succeeds, the benefits will be amazing."
"So, what does Americans want us to do?" Churchill asked.
"Americans hopes that we will send some Marine Corps to assist them in landing Azores."
Churchill knows that Americans wants to drag them into the water. However, they couldn't refuse. Otherwise, it will definitely damage the current relationship between the two countries.
"Okay, tell Americans that we can send some small and medium-sized warships to join the attack on Azores. In addition, we can also send a brigade of Marine Corps to participate in the island landing operation." Churchill said.
The current British Empire is no better than before. Sending these warships and a brigade of Marine Corps is already their greatest ability.
"Yes, Prime Minister." Edward? Sir Gray nodded.
"However, Prime Minister, do you think Americans's plan can succeed this time?" Edward? Sir Gray asked.
"It's very difficult! Germany people worked so hard to get Azores, how could they throw it away so easily? Americans wants to pull out the teeth this time.! I estimate that the attitude of Germany people will be very tough. By then, Germany and Americans will develop around Azores. It's a fierce battle. In the end, Americans will definitely lose. However, Germany people will not launch an attack on United States's homeland. With Germany's current strength, it is still very difficult to surpass Atlantic Ocean and attack United States's homeland," Churchill analyzed.
Edward? Sir Gray nodded, and he also agreed with Churchill's point of view.
"This time, we only need to invest a small amount of force. For the rest, let Americans and Germany beat them to death!" Churchill said. Although Britain and United States have formed a secret alliance, there are no permanent friends between countries, only permanent interests.
US government is quite satisfied with the response from Britain. Although some people think that the strength invested by the Britain people is too small, but without the local British government, the strength is already very weak. Being able to invest these forces has already shown their attitude.
Woodrow President Wilson issued an order requiring Naval Ministry and the Department of War to launch an operation to seize Azores.
February 9, 1919, on the second day after the military coup occurred in Portugal, American fleet secretly left the military port. At the same time, all United States 1st Marine Division boarded the ship and headed to Azores under the escort of the fleet.
Subsequently, US government confirmed that German government had signed an agreement to purchase Azores with the Portugal government. This further strengthened Americans's determination to send troops to occupy Azores by force.
Although Germany bought Azores from Portugal, it did not immediately send troops to the island. Naval Ministry is inviting bids to build a naval base and airport on Azores. At that time, Atlantic Fleet will escort those ships loaded with machinery and workers to Azores. As for the design plan, it has been in place for a long time and is just waiting to be implemented.
I have to admit that it was precisely because of this negligence on the part of Germany that Americans easily occupied Azores.
On the morning of February 15, American fleet escorted 1st Marine Division to Azores. There is no Portugal garrison on the island, only police.
When US Marine Corps started to land, those Portugal police officers sent Telegram to the country. After US Marine Corps came ashore, they immediately raised their hands and surrendered to US Marine Corps. Americans, occupied the entire Azores without a single blow.