Chapter 1175: Technological Explosion
"Afterward, the enemy may choose to cross the Rhine River from Strasbourg. Or they may simultaneously send troops into Switzerland, threatening our eastern territories."
Berthier continued, "Another option for the enemy is a full-scale invasion of Northern Italy. Venice has virtually no fighting capability. Our forces would fight a decisive battle against the English and Austrian armies around Mantua. This would be extremely unfavorable to our logistical supply lines.
"At the same time, Prussia would threaten the Lower Rhine region, such as by attacking Cologne and the Flemish Republic."
"General Staff Headquarters has also formulated corresponding countermeasures for these enemy operational plans.
"If the enemy concentrates its attack on Switzerland, the First and Second Army Corps will defend the western side of the Alps, while the Third Army Corps garrisons Strasbourg. Mobile forces will then conduct holding operations in the Low Countries...
"And if the enemy's target is Italy, we can use the First Army Corps plus one division to hold Mantua Fortress. You know, Your Highness, that place is very easy to defend. We would then commit our main force to central Germany, near Bavaria, to threaten Austria..."
As Joseph listened to the Chief of Staff's highly professional explanation, he could not help frowning. Seizing a pause while Berthier drew breath, he raised a hand to interrupt him. "Wait. What does General Staff Headquarters believe our objective in this war should be?"
The latter froze for a moment. "It should be to repel the enemy's encirclement, Your Highness."
"No wonder you came up with such a strategic deployment." Joseph rose to his feet, swept his gaze over the senior generals present, and declared with ringing force, "We must use this opportunity to completely eliminate the military threat posed by England, Prussia, Austria, and the others!