On February 9, 1916, German Foreign Ministry held a press conference.
Germany Foreign Minister Wachth announced to reporters that starting today, India has become a war zone. India along the coast will become Prohibited Navigation Zone. A week later, German Navy will blockade the coast of India, and ships from any country are not allowed to enter the coast of India. Otherwise, it will be considered an enemy supporting German Empire. Once those ships were discovered, they were all sunk!
There is no doubt that Germany Foreign Minister Wachth's statement is undoubtedly very tough. India is definitely a big country in terms of area, and its coastline is also very long. German Navy dispatched a large number of warships to block the coast of India. This approach is undoubtedly very powerful.
Of course, Prohibited Navigation Zone has done it once before with Germany and Britain. Although Germany had the upper hand in the war at that time, it did not win the war. Therefore, many countries are dissatisfied with Germany's actions. United States, in particular, dispatched a powerful fleet, preparing to break through Germany's Prohibited Navigation Zone. As a result, it was intercepted by German Navy. After some open and covert fighting, Americans was defeated. From this we can see how powerful Germany is.
This time, Germany once again defined Prohibited Navigation Zone. Although, Prohibited Navigation Zone has a larger area. But with Germany's current strong position as the world's hegemon, no country dares to defy it. With the way the Germany people behave, if they really dare to disobey, the Germany people will definitely sink their ship.
However, even so, reporters from many countries have expressed doubts about Germany's actions, thinking that Germany's actions are too rough.
But Wachth ignored it at all and only claimed that India was already a colony of the Empire. It is completely legal and reasonable for the Empire to send troops to recover the colony India! Any attempt to hinder Germany from regaining India will become the enemy of Germany.
It is well known that Germany will not let go of India's colony. After all, India's wealth makes all countries drool. In other words, the natives of India are too easy to manage. They have been tamed by the Britain people and are undoubtedly the best candidates for slavery in the world. Any powerful country would probably not let go of such a colony.
Germany began to block India, which also indicates that Germany will soon take action against India.
In this regard, the world's major powers are very concerned. There is anger, there is envy, and most of them hope that Germany can suffer a loss from India. If the Britain people can turn India into a war quagmire and let the Germany people fall into it, that will undoubtedly be the best.
Britain Prime Minister Churchill instructed Viceroy of India Baron Charles Harding to find a way to hold back the Germany people at India. It would be even better if Germany people could suffer heavy losses in India, or even bring down Germany. Churchill even promised Baron Charles Harding. If India can defeat Germany, Baron Charles Harding will be the next Chancellor of the Exchequer. You know, according to usual practice, as long as his party wins the next general election, Chancellor of the Exchequer is often the inevitable candidate for Prime Minister!
Churchill's promise made Baron Charles Harding ecstatic. This made him work harder to develop India's military power and prepare to have a good fight with the Germany people in India. After all, these India natives are used to fight against Germany people anyway. No matter how many people die, it has nothing to do with the British Empire. If Germany can be defeated, even if all the people in India are sent to die, Baron Charles Harding will not frown.
At the same time, United States and Britain are also seizing the last moment to send as many weapons and equipment as possible to India. They all know that once the blockade of Germany begins, it will be impossible for them to transport weapons and equipment to India. The more weapons and equipment shipped to India, the more India troops can be armed. Even if those armies don't have much combat effectiveness, they will always play a certain role. Even if ten HMS Indomitable died in exchange for the life of one Germany person, it would undoubtedly be a very cost-effective deal.
Crown Prince Karl of the Austro-Hungarian Empire is waiting in the palace of Vienna, waiting for Austrian Emperor Franz? Joseph I to take his last breath so that he can legitimately ascend the throne of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. He has been waiting for this day for a long time. However, although Austrian Emperor Franz? Joseph I looked like he was about to smoke, he kept dragging it down, which made Crown Prince Karl very angry. Regarding Germany's upcoming attack on India, Crown Prince Karl also hopes that Germany can make a big mistake on India. Because he knew that if Germany did not have an accident, it would be almost impossible for the Austro-Hungarian Empire he led to surpass Germany. Now, they will only have a chance if Germany himself has a problem.
On the Arabian Sea, a huge fleet is sailing. This is Combined Fleet composed of Pacific Fleet and Indian Ocean Fleet from German Navy. There are a total of 8 Battleship and 6 Battlecruiser. If you add Light Cruiser and destroyers, there are nearly a hundred warships.
General Pacific Fleet Commander Spee, serving as Commander for Combined Fleet. This term will last until the battle of India comes to an end. After Germany defeats India, Indian Ocean Fleet will choose one of India's coastal ports as its home port and begin Indian Ocean's patrol mission. Pacific Fleet will continue eastward and cooperate with the army to knock down the South Seas and Australian Britain colonies, so that Empire can fully take over the Britain people's colonies this time.
Pacific Fleet's flagship 'König' number Battleship became the flagship of Combined Fleet. General Commander Spee and chief of staff Lieutenant General Norman of Pacific Fleet, as well as Commander Vice Admiral Ingol and chief of staff Rear Admiral Luiet of Indian Ocean Fleet, all gathered on the front deck of Battleship.
"Gentlemen, there are still two days before we arrive at India. However, the coastline of India is too long, and it is very difficult to completely block it. I propose that we will India's coastline is divided into two parts, with Indian Ocean Fleet responsible for the west and Pacific Fleet responsible for the east. In this case, division of labor may be more efficient," Admiral Spee suggested.
"Okay, Admiral Spee." Vice Admiral Ingol nodded.
"The Army will soon launch an attack on India. At that time, in addition to performing blockade missions, we will also have to perform fire support missions for the Army when they land. No matter what, India is too important for the Empire. This time, we must do our best to defeat it!"