Island Nation Navy Minister Yashiro Rokuro General arrived at Prime Minister's residence in a car. When he walked into Prime Minister's residence, the other Cabinet Ministers had already arrived. Even several retired elders arrived. It can be seen that everyone attaches great importance to the battle between Combined Fleet and German Expeditionary Fleet.
After all, this can almost be said to be a battle related to the fate of Island Nation. If they win, they can completely take the rich Southeast Asia as their own. If it fails, the consequences will be disastrous.
Although, these ministers and Elder Statesmen also know that it is undoubtedly very difficult to defeat German Expeditionary Fleet with Combined Fleet's strength. However, there is always a trace of extravagant hope in their hearts, that is, Combined Fleet can perform at a super level, defeat German Expeditionary Fleet, and win the naval battle.
"I'm sorry to have kept you waiting for so long!" General Yashiro Rokuro bowed his head and apologized.
"Yashiro, it doesn't matter. How was the naval battle between Combined Fleet and Germany?" Prime Minister Okuma Shigenobu asked.
"Prime Minister, the naval battle is over." General Yashiro Rokuro replied expressionlessly.
"Have we defeated the Germany people?" Army Minister Okashi no Suke immediately asked eagerly.
A sarcastic smile flashed across General Yashiro Rokuro's face, "Combined Fleet was nearly wiped out in this battle. Except for more than ten destroyers that escaped back, the rest of the warships were all sunk by the Germany people. Including the four most powerful 'Kongo-class' Battlecruiser."
"What?" All Island Nation senior officials in the conference room were stunned. They did not expect that Combined Fleet would be defeated so miserably, losing almost all the battleships. This is undoubtedly a disastrous failure! What a complete loss! The entire main force of Island Nation Navy was lost because of this!
"Baga! How could it be so defeated? Combined Fleet has 19 Capital Ships, 8 Armored Cruiser, and a large number of Protected Cruiser and destroyers. In terms of the number of battleships, we have an absolute advantage!" Oka Ichinosuke seems unable to accept this result.
"Our warships are simply vulnerable to the attack of the new warships of the Germany people. Such a numerical advantage is of no use at all." A trace of sadness flashed in the eyes of General Yashiro Rokuro. After Combined Fleet suffered such a heavy blow, it has ceased to exist in name only. And Island Nation Navy suddenly returned to the time before Meiji Restoration. If you want to rebuild Island Nation Navy, I don't know how long it will take.
The other Island Nation senior officials all looked at each other. They realized that after the fiasco of Combined Fleet, this gave them a huge problem. That's how to deal with German Expeditionary Fleet.
"Then how much harm have we caused to Germany people?" Minister of Foreign Affairs Kato Takaaki asked.
"We only sank one Light Cruiser belonging to Germany, and severely damaged one Battlecruiser!" General Yashiro Rokuro replied. Having lost so many warships, but only achieved such a result, General Yashiro Rokuro felt a little ashamed. Of course, he also knew that there was nothing he could do about it. It was not that they were too weak, but that the enemy was too strong!
"Asshole, what on earth is that guy Ijūin Gorō doing? He lost so many warships, but only sank one Germany man Light Cruiser. Could it be that the navy we spent so much money to build is so vulnerable?" Oka Ichinosuke was furious.
Combined Fleet's victory shattered the last bit of luck in Oka Ichinosuke's heart. Originally, he was thinking that although Combined Fleet's army was wiped out, if they could severely damage German Expeditionary Fleet, then they would still have a chance. Expeditionary Fleet The Germany people who suffered heavy losses are now busy launching attacks on British mainland and should not send any more fleets eastward. Then they can seize this period of time to consolidate their dominance in Southeast Asia. Even if the Germany people want to take back Southeast Asia in the future, they will inevitably pay a huge price for it. At the same time, they can also take this opportunity to plunder more wealth from Southeast Asia.
But unfortunately, German Expeditionary Fleet was not severely damaged, which made all their expectations come to nothing.
"General Ijūin Gorō has tried his best! Such a victory cannot be blamed on him!" General Yashiro Rokuro looked angry.
"Is General Ijūin Gorō back?" Okuma Shigenobu asked.
"He has committed seppuku and committed suicide!" General Yashiro Rokuro said.
The Island Nation senior officials present immediately stopped talking. Ijūin Gorō Since he committed seppuku and committed suicide, it would be inappropriate to hold him accountable.
This is already Island Nation's practice. If a person commits suicide by committing suicide, it means that he has assumed all the responsibilities. If the investigation continues, this will undoubtedly make others dissatisfied.
"Okay, let's end this matter with Ijūin Gorō!" Yamagata Aritomo spoke.
"Hi, Lord Yamagata!" everyone replied.
"Everyone, Germany's strength is beyond our expectation. So, do you have any countermeasures now?" Yamagata Aritomo asked.
"Your Excellency the Elder Statesman, Germany people will definitely be more unreasonable and unforgiving this time after defeating Combined Fleet. I'm afraid it will be even more difficult for us to defend Southeast Asia." Foreign Minister Kato Takaaki was a little worried.
"Yes, Your Excellency the Elder Statesman. If the Germany people launch an attack on our coastal cities again and force us to evacuate Southeast Asia, what should we do?" Minister Wakatsuki Reijiro looked worried. German Expeditionary Fleet destroyed the three cities of Shizuoka, Hamamatsu and Nagoya, which has caused tens of thousands of casualties to Island Nation. Three cities were destroyed, and the direct and indirect economic losses caused were even more staggering. If German Expeditionary Fleet continues to do this, then Island Nation will inevitably suffer further losses. This is absolutely unbearable for Island Nation.
"No, we finally occupied Southeast Asia. The rich resources there will be all the hope for the Empire's rise. If we give up Southeast Asia, Empire There will be no chance to occupy it again. Once the Germany people defeat Britain, they will definitely send troops into Southeast Asia." Army Minister Okashi no Suke immediately expressed his opinion. In other words, his opinions represent the opinions of the entire army.
Island Nation people are greedy. Their small local area and lack of resources make them particularly eager to acquire more territory, especially fertile territory. And Southeast Asia is undoubtedly their best target.