"Minister of War, I know that General Hitoshi Anami's performance is not very satisfactory. However, he has not been in the position of Southern Army Commander for a long time. In such a short period of time, it is very difficult to achieve too much. What's more, the enemy we face is still the world's number one German Army. So, I hope to give General Hitoshi Anami another chance!" General Prince Kan'in Kotohito said.
No matter what, General Hitoshi Anami is the candidate he supports to serve as Southern Army Commander. If he is replaced due to poor performance, it will also have a great impact on his prestige. For the sake of his own face, General Prince Kan'in Kotohito also hopes that General Hitoshi Anami can continue to stay in the position of Southern Army Commander, and it is best to make some achievements.
General Shunroku Hata was expressionless, while General Yoshizō Yamada frowned.
Among the Island Nation's Army, there are countless people who want to replace General Hitoshi Anami. Even General Shunroku Hata may not have the intention of letting his own people replace General Hitoshi Anami.
However, now Prince Kan'in Kotohito said this again, which made General Shunroku Hata have to give the other party another face.
Now Island Nation and Emperor have only played a symbolic role. However, the influence of the royal family is still very large.
"Okay, Your Highness, then give General Hitoshi Anami another chance! However, if South Seas's battle situation is still unable to open up the situation, then we will have to replace people. We don't have enough time to wait anymore. The longer the battle drags on, the worse it will be for us!" General Shunroku Hata said.
General Prince Kan'in Kotohito nodded, he knew that General Shunroku Hata had given him face.
Although General Yoshizō Yamada was a little reluctant, he wisely did not speak. Although he is also a general, he is still one of Three Chiefs. But the gold content of Inspector General of Training among Three Chiefs is far inferior to the previous two.
After the meeting, General Prince Kan'in Kotohito immediately asked his secretary to send Telegram to Southern Army Headquarters, and asked General Hitoshi Anami to return to the country immediately. He had something to explain to him in person.
General Hitoshi Anami felt a little uneasy after receiving Telegram. He knew that this time Netherlands East Indies Expeditionary Army's disastrous defeat caused him to lose points in front of the army's top brass. It might even threaten his current position. However, he would be very unwilling to leave his current position. After all, leaving as a loser means that he may never be able to reach a higher position in his life.
"Tsukata-kun, prepare a plane for me. I want to rush back to the country immediately!" General Hitoshi Anami ordered.
"Hi, Your Excellency Commander." Lieutenant General Tadaichi Tsukada hesitated to speak.
General Nishio Hisao knew what Lieutenant General Tsukada was worried about, so he patted him on the shoulder and said, "Don't worry, there will be no problem. If you want to remove me from my position, His Highness the Prince will definitely make it clear. Besides, although the Lanyin Front suffered a disastrous defeat, didn't the leading troops of the 14th Front have landed in Borneo? The Germans did not continue to launch attacks. Therefore, the situation did not continue to deteriorate."
"Hi, Your Excellency Commander." Lieutenant General Tadaichi Tsukada nodded.
General Hitoshi Anami left Manila on a seaplane of Army Air Force and returned all the way to Tokyo.
The next morning, he appeared in General Prince Kan'in Kotohito's office. Although he was very tired, General Hitoshi Anami forcibly cheered up.
"Sit down, Nishio-kun." General Prince Kan'in Kotohito said.
"Hi, Your Highness." General Hitoshi Anami looked very respectful in front of Prince Kan'in Kotohito.
"South Seas How's the war going?" General Prince Kan'in Kotohito asked.
"Your Highness, the Lanyin Front Army suffered very heavy losses. The German armored attack caused us heavy losses. The Lanyin Front Army is now an organized unit, with only two independent mixed brigades left. In addition, there are only more than 10,000 defeated soldiers. These defeated soldiers no longer have the courage to fight anymore. We have been frightened by the Germans. However, the 35th Army and the 41st Army of the 14th Front have begun to land. The Germans will not launch an attack on Borneo as soon as possible, so the battle situation in Borneo is temporarily stable.
In fact, he was relieved when he learned that German military did not take advantage of the situation to attack Sennah Port and Lahad Datu. If Sennah Port and Lahad Datu are recaptured by Germany people, then the situation will be really bad. By then, he didn't know how to face it. Maybe he might actually be removed from his post because of this.
General Prince Kan'in Kotohito nodded. "Nishio-kun, many generals have opinions about the Southern Army's recent performance. So, you should know what I mean."
"Hi, Your Highness. Thank you Your Highness for your support. Otherwise, I am afraid that I will be kicked out of my humble position." General Hitoshi Anami looked like he was crying with gratitude.
"Nishio-kun, this time, Prime Minister Lu gave me a favor and did not hold Southern Army responsible. However, such a thing cannot happen again. If it happens again, there is nothing I can do." General Prince Kan'in Kotohito reminded.
General Hitoshi Anami nodded repeatedly. Of course he knew how many people were staring at the position under his butt. If it weren't for Prince Kan'in Kotohito's strong support, he wouldn't be able to sit in this position. I don't know how many people are waiting for him to make a mistake and then kick him out of this position!
"Nishio-kun, the most critical point is that Southern Army must open up the situation on the battlefield of South Seas. Not only are we paying attention, but Cabinet's ministers are also paying attention, and even Americans is paying attention. If the situation is delayed, it will probably have a very bad impact." General Prince Kan'in Kotohito continued.
"Your Highness, please rest assured, I know what to do? Next, 14th Area Army will all land on Borneo. Then 7th Area Army, 18th Area Army, and the 2nd Army and other main forces will land on Borneo. We will Attack the Germany people with an overwhelming advantage. Even if they have powerful Armored Forces, the terrain of Borneo is not suitable for Armored Forces. The final victory must belong to us!" General Hitoshi Anami said with confidence. He has made up his mind to win this battle with all his strength.
General Prince Kan'in Kotohito nodded, quite satisfied with General Hitoshi Anami's answer.