Azores is located in the east-central part of North Atlantic, 1,450 kilometers away from Portugal, more than 1,600 kilometers away from Europe, more than 3,200 kilometers away from North America, and covering an area of more than 2,300 square kilometers.
The location of Azores is very good. If German Atlantic Fleet uses this as its main base, it can almost control the entire central part of North Atlantic. If American Navy wants to march further north Atlantic East, it can only choose to bypass New York Finland and Iceland, which is a route close to the Arctic Circle. During that section of the route, the weather was cold and icebergs were dense, so the probability of an accident was high. In comparison, it is naturally safer to cross Atlantic Ocean directly.
If German Navy can occupy Azores, it will be equivalent to having one more transit station when launching an attack on United States's homeland in the future. In this case, the difficulty of Germany's future attack on United States's homeland can be reduced accordingly.
However, Azores is now the territory of Portugal. Since the Portugal people sailed here in 1427, this has become the territory of Portugal. Moreover, Portugal has always been on good terms with Britain. In the last World War, although Portugal remained neutral, he had a close relationship with Britain and even secretly provided a lot of help to Britain. It wasn't until Germany completely established the victory that Portugal severed contact with Britain and began to fall in love with Germany.
It can be seen that Portugal people are basically just outsiders. They will take the initiative to make friends with whoever is the most powerful country in the world. However, it would be very difficult to seize Azores from the hands of Portugal. Portugal people are not fools, so they naturally know how important Azores is to them. With the islands in hand, they can have both sides. Once the archipelago is lost, the importance of Portugal will be greatly reduced. Therefore, if Germany wants to take away Azores from Portugal, it must plan carefully.
However, Oscar has made up his mind. Portugal This strategically important place must be obtained by the German Empire. This is related to Germany's strategic security on Atlantic Ocean, as well as Germany's future strategic plan. Portugal is just a small country with a population of six million. Germany There are many ways to bring this country to heel. Of course, sending troops to invade is undoubtedly the most last resort. Germany would not adopt such an approach unless forced to do so.
The current Portugal is a republic. In 1910, they overthrew the royal family. However, there are still many people who are dissatisfied with the current republic, including members of the former royal family and the military. Oscar believes that as long as Germany is willing to take action, there will be no problem in overthrowing the current Portugal government. At that time, the New Deal government can use Azores to thank Germany. In this case, Germany can legitimately get Azores, and then carry out military construction.
Of course, these are all things for later. The most important thing now is still the confrontation between German Atlantic Fleet and American fleet in North Eastern Atlantic.
Nearly two hundred warships of both sides, large and small, gathered in this sea area, making Commander on both sides have to work hard. Otherwise, their mistakes may lead to a misfire. In that case, a war may break out between the two countries. Once a war breaks out, the consequences will be very serious.
On American Navy's flagship 'Colorado' number Battleship, Commander of the Atlantic Fleet Henry? General Mayo was smoking a cigar and looking into the distance. Because the distance is more than thirty kilometers, Henry? General Mayo cannot actually see German Atlantic Fleet and Capital Ships. Only the small and medium-sized warships that occasionally passed by could be seen. However, Henry? General Mayo believes that Germany people are not far away. As long as American fleet does not retreat for a day, the Germany people will always stay there and keep a close eye on them.
"Hell, we've been here for half a month. What on earth are those guys in the country going to do to make us retreat? Or, in other words, allow us to launch an attack and eat the Atlantic Fleet of the Germany people in one fell swoop!" Henry? General Mayo complained.
In the opinion of Henry? General Mayo, with their current strength, there is absolutely no problem in eating German Atlantic Fleet. In this case, German Navy can be recreated in one fell swoop. At least, it can make American Navy no longer suppressed by German Navy on Atlantic Ocean. Atlantic Fleet alone may not make American Navy in trouble. However, German Navy has a more powerful Home Fleet on top of Atlantic Ocean. If the two fleets join forces, then American Navy will have to retreat. Unless, American Navy and the next batch of Capital Ships are put into service one after another. In this case, they will have the capital to compete with German Navy on Atlantic Ocean.
However, although the other three fleets of German Navy were not deployed on Atlantic Ocean. But once something happens to Atlantic Ocean, you can imagine it with your toes. German Navy will definitely dispatch the fleet to rescue Atlantic Ocean as soon as possible. By then, American Navy will no longer have any advantage.
Therefore, Henry? General Mayo believes that now is undoubtedly the best opportunity for them. As long as Atlantic Fleet eats German Navy, American Navy can narrow the gap with German Navy. Even if a war starts because of this and Atlantic Ocean is temporarily lost, it is still worth it. When the follow-up Capital Ships is put into service, they are fully capable of slowly competing with Germany for control of Atlantic Ocean.
It is a pity that Henry? General Mayo sent several letters to Telegram in China, but did not receive a clear reply.
Less than thirty kilometers away from American fleet, the main force of German Atlantic Fleet is gathered here. On the flagship 'Bavaria' number Battleship, Fleet Commander Vice Admiral Burdick and chief of staff Vice Admiral Schmidt are also complaining.
"Americans continues to stay here. It would be great if the country could agree to let Carrier Fleet cooperate with us in launching an attack! We will definitely be able to kill Germany people in one fell swoop!" Vice Admiral Burdick seemed a little anxious.
"If Carrier Fleet really takes action, those guys will probably eat all of Americans. By then, there will be nothing left for us!" Vice Admiral Schmidt said with a smile.
Vice Admiral Burdick was stunned, but still nodded. He believed that those guys Carrier Fleet could really do such a thing. They are also eager to engage in actual combat, rather than foolishly attacking target ships.