"Falkenhayn, from now on, you will also serve as the chief of general staff. I hope that, under your leadership, Imperial Army can defeat the powerful enemy and help German Empire win this war!" Wilhelm II said.
The most critical point why Wilhelm II made up his mind to replace Moltke the Younger was that he wanted to win this war. In this war, Germany tried his best. If the war is lost, the consequences will be disastrous. Therefore, this battle must be won. Moltke the Younger's previous performance was too bad, which also made Wilhelm II believe that Moltke the Younger could not lead German Army to victory. Then, he can only place his hope on others. And Feng? Falkenhayn was the candidate he selected.
On the one hand, Feng Falkenhayn is Minister of War, the most qualified to take over as chief of general staff. On the other hand, Feng Falkenhayn's ability is also very good. In addition, there is another point, which is that Feng Falkenhayn and Oscar have a very good relationship. Wilhelm II never wants to see German Army's strength affected due to the tense relationship between the Chief of General Staff and Crown Prince. Such a lesson is enough once, and Wilhelm II doesn't want to do it again.
"Yes, Your Majesty. I will do my best to lead the German Empire army to defeat the powerful enemy and win the final victory of the war!" Feng Falkenhayn said excitedly. After waiting for so many years, he finally got his wish. You know, the fight between him and Moltke the Younger has been going on for a long time. Before, he had been suppressed by Moltke the Younger. Now, he finally succeeded in squeezing out Moltke the Younger and became the number one player of the Imperial Army. This made Feng? Falkenhayn very excited, and at the same time very grateful to Oscar for his help. Otherwise, where would he be today?
Wilhelm II nodded, and he really hoped that the situation of the battle would change.
"Falkenhayn, do you have any plans for Western Front next?" Wilhelm II asked impatiently.
Eastern Front, after Oscar's debriefing, Wilhelm II is not worried at all. What he is most worried about is still Western Front. If Western Front could not make breakthrough progress, Germany would not be able to win this war.
"Your Majesty, after more than a month of fighting, our army has tried its best on Western Front. The troops are very tired, and the war supplies have been almost consumed. We need time to rest and recuperate. Otherwise, we will not be able to launch a large-scale attack." Falkenhayn said.
Wilhelm II nodded. With German military's current situation on the Western Front, it is indeed impossible to launch a large-scale attack. If you launch an attack rashly, you will most likely fail again. In that case, the consequences will be more serious.
"So, when do you plan to launch the next attack?" Wilhelm II asked.
"Your Majesty, it is already September. After we complete our rest, the cold winter will come. We must prepare our troops for the winter to avoid non-combat attrition due to weather. In addition, if we launch an attack in winter, the losses to the troops will be great. Therefore, we believe that we must wait until at least next spring to launch another offensive on the Western Front." Feng Falkenhayn said.
"Next spring?" Wilhelm II couldn't help but frowned. Although, he thinks Feng Falkenhayn's analysis is still very reliable. However, there is still half a year until next spring. While this gives German military enough rest time, doesn't it also give the enemy time to breathe? When Germany launched the war, France's military reform had not been completed, and neither had its mobilization. Therefore, Germany was able to achieve such a great victory on the battlefield. If French is given another half year, their mobilization will definitely be completed. By then, German military will have to face more enemies. In addition, the Britain people will definitely seize this time and send more Expeditionary Force to France. Even if German military completes his rest by then, will he still be able to defeat Anglo-French Allied Forces? Wilhelm II is very doubtful about this.
"Yes, Father Emperor. Regarding the issue of the Western Front, the Chief of Staff and I have already discussed it. We both agree that Western Front should enter a defensive posture from now on. This will last until next spring. At this time, Eastern Front continues to maintain its offensive posture, trying its best to weaken Russia and strive to defeat them! If it can really trigger civil strife in Russia, that would be the best." Oscar said.
Defend the West and attack the East is the strategy for Germany in the next six months determined by Oscar and Feng Falkenhayn after discussion.
Wilhelm II nodded. "However, Oskar, are you sure you can defeat Anglo-French Allied Forces in half a year? You know, Anglo-French Allied Forces in half a year will definitely be much stronger than now!"
"Father Emperor, I have already considered this. Therefore, I hope that we can improve the combat effectiveness of the army as much as possible within half a year. This half year is also crucial for us. If we can realize our plan, defeating Anglo-French Allied Forces in the future will definitely not be a problem." Oscar continued.
"Oh, how do you plan to enhance the combat effectiveness of the Western Front troops?" Wilhelm II asked.
"Your Majesty, Crown Prince suggest that the Western Front troops be re-equipped on a large scale, at least in the shortest time, to enhance the Semi-Automatic Rifle, The number of Sniper Rifle, Squad Automatic Weapon, General Purpose Machine Gun, Grenade Launcher, mortars and artillery of various calibers enhances the firepower of the troops. On the other hand, each legion is imitated. Build 8th Army Corps and build Armored Division to enhance the assault capability of the troops. The previous tanks were used by each legion to cooperate with infantry operations, and their true power was not used. It's such a waste. Now, with the experience of 8th Armored Division, we can definitely build more Armored Forces to break the current Western Front pattern," said Feng Falkenhayn.
The current Western Front has undoubtedly become trench warfare. This kind of attrition fighting method is not what Germany is willing to accept.
"However, that requires a large amount of funds. Our military expenditure is already very scarce." Wilhelm II said. Since the war began, a large amount of war materials have been consumed, causing Germany's military expenditures to increase day by day.
"Father Emperor, I can advance the money to equip the army with these weapons. After the war is over, I can repay it." Oscar continued.
"Very good, so be it!" Wilhelm II nodded with satisfaction.