Chapter 1362 - 362: Preparing to Intervene in the European War (2)

Chapter 1362: Chapter 362: Preparing to Intervene in the European War (2)

This is mainly because the Pacific Ocean is exceptionally vast, with the Pacific itself accounting for one-third of the entire world. Even the combined area of the other three oceans can only compare with the Pacific.

And being large also means long travel distances, so even for the Pacific Fleet’s main strength stationed in the South Sea Region, it’s quite challenging to provide nearby support to regions such as Alaska. Additionally, they might have to pass through enemy-controlled islands, like Japan or the U.S. colony in Hawaii.

Therefore, from a strategic security standpoint, the East African Navy will actively support obtaining the passage rights to the Magellan Strait, effectively adding a layer of insurance to East African Navy’s Pacific strategy.

Cristiano said: "We want to strengthen our control over Chile, with the economy as the anchor point. By tying economic interests with Chile, we cultivate our own spokespersons. At this point, we should seize this gap and accelerate the marginalization of American and British background companies in Chile."

"In the future, by signing military agreements with the pro-East African government, we can complete the military utilization of the Magellan Strait."

"Of course, after all, the Magellan Strait is controlled by the Chileans, so we shouldn’t abandon our research on the Drake Passage. We should also pay attention to Argentina. The eastern exit of the Magellan Strait is sandwiched between Argentine territory, and Chile and Argentina have historically had a poor relationship."

"If, in the future, Chile makes decisions unfavorable to the Empire, we can support Argentina to teach the Chilean government a lesson."

The East African military has clearly outlined plans for the Magellan Strait, which also received Ernst’s approval.

Ernst said: "Then let’s proceed this way. No matter what, we must obtain a stable route from the Atlantic to the Pacific, which is crucial for ensuring the Empire’s interests on the West Coast of Central and South America."

In the end, military strength is the key to free trade. Free trade without military support is nothing but a laughing stock.

The United Kingdom became the World Overlord by defeating a series of competitors, such as the Netherlands. In the era when the Dutch were the Sea Carriage Drivers, wasn’t their trade freer than that of the later British?

But after failing in the English-Dutch naval wars, the Netherlands had no choice but to yield maritime supremacy. This loss is secondary; what truly pains the Dutch is the substantial economic benefits behind maritime dominance.

After all, even in the Netherlands’ peak era, their ambitions were incomparable to today’s imperialist countries.

This is why East Africa emphasizes the strategic route of the Magellan Strait. With this route, East Africa can project military influence to the West Coast of Central and South America, progressively expanding East Africa’s overseas markets and raw material production bases.

Pripyat said: "Besides the progress related to the Magellan Strait, our construction activities in Qatar are also steadily advancing."

"Additionally, according to our intelligence, the current situation of the United Kingdom and the Allies in the Persian Gulf is quite grim. Ever since Austria-Hungary entered Iraq, the situation faced by the United Kingdom has dramatically worsened."

"Though the British forces amount to over a million, the army composed of Indians is practically unusable. Let alone countering the Austria-Hungarian and Bulgarian armies, even facing Ottoman and Romanian soldiers, the Indian army struggles significantly."

"Currently under the command of Austria-Hungary, the Allied forces have begun helping the Ottoman Empire reclaim lost territories. Considering the current pace, Basra and other Persian Gulf ports returning to Ottoman control is only a matter of time."

East Africa has continuously monitored changes on the South Line battlefield, which is closest to East Africa, especially with East Africa’s Beibu Gulf and Qatar colonies right next to the battlefield.

Ernst asked: "What do you think the course of the Middle East conflict will be?"

Pripyat replied: "Personally, I am not optimistic about the Allies’ progress in the Middle East. Since the British failed to seize the Dardanelles Strait, the scale of war has tilted towards the Allies. Now, Austria-Hungary and the Allies have the capacity to continuously support the Ottoman Empire."

"In the previous stage, the Allies successfully stabilized the decline along the Red Sea and Persian Gulf coasts, even turning defeat into victory in the Persian Gulf region."

"Meanwhile, the Allies’ focus remains in Western Europe. If the situation on the South Line battlefield truly deteriorates to a certain extent, the Allies’ previous blockade of the Allies would turn into nonsense."

Cristiano also said: "On the South Line battlefield, the Allies have little chance of turning the tide. In order to conquer the South Line battlefield, Austria-Hungary has even relaxed its offensives on the Western battlefield."

"Currently, Germany and Austria-Hungary have clearly realized the importance of the Empire. The theory of rapid victory in war has become a joke."

"With American intervention, even if England and France lose the South Line battlefield, they can continue to fight the Allies."

Hearing this, Ernst understood that if East Africa does not intervene, the Allies and the Entente Powers would continue the battle. Now it depends on East Africa’s choice to determine how this war continues."

Ernst asked: "What about news from Russia and Japan?"

Cristiano said: "Regarding Russia, it can be basically confirmed that the Russian Labor Party holds significant power. Surprisingly, their fighting capacity, especially their fighting will, is very strong. Based on our information, the Russian Labor Party has effectively solidified their control area in Europe, while other Russian forces have retreated to the Far East region."