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墨書 Inktalez
Strasser finally found the person he was looking for, and that was Model.
Strasser looked at the man in front of him, who would later be known as the Master of Defense. This slightly roguish man would shine brightly during World War II. While most German Army generals were known for their offensive operations, Model was an exception; his stage for brilliance was in defensive warfare.
He struck Zhukov with a blow that bankrupted his Mars Operation, and also had representative achievements such as the defeat of the Allied Market Garden operation. It can be said that Model is the strongest defensive master of World War II Germany, without a doubt. This series of impressive records is enough to allow Model to proudly raise his chest when facing any famous general.
In 1928, Model was still an unknown soldier, and a mere colonel could not attract much attention in the National Defense Forces.
"Commander-in-Chief, did you summon me?"
Model was somewhat reserved, unsure of why the newly appointed Commander-in-Chief had called him to the General Staff of the Army.
A few days ago, rumors from the Soviet Union were circulating, and many within the National Defense Forces were aware of them, including Model.
Although he did not believe that Congress would attack Germany, Model still contemplated how Germany could rely on its western borders to resist an invasion from France. However, his ideas differed slightly from Strasser's; in Model's plan, the armored troops could still play a role, though they would not be the decisive factor.
"Of course, Colonel Model, I have noticed you since the day you joined the National Defense Forces. You are truly a talent."
Strasser said while gesturing for Model to take a seat. Strasser was always generous with his praise for talented individuals. After all, complimenting others wouldn't cost him anything, and naturally, boosting the goodwill of his subordinates was the best strategy.
"Commander-in-Chief, Model can hardly live up to such praise."
Model was somewhat surprised and flattered. He didn't expect the new Commander-in-Chief of the National Defense Forces to hold him in such high regard. He didn't believe he had such strong capabilities.
"Of course you can live up to it. I've seen your record. You participated in World War I and fought bravely in the Verdun campaign."
After your platoon leader was killed, you took over the command and led the remaining soldiers to repel an attack by a French people's company using the terrain to your advantage. After World War I, you served as the regimental commander in Hamburg for the Second Infantry Division, making significant contributions to the development of the regiment. During exercises, your regiment always achieved the highest scores. Doesn't this prove your abilities, Colonel Model?
It must be said that the praise from important figures holds a certain magic for most ordinary people, and even Model was left feeling disoriented by Strasser's compliments.
Seeing Model in front of him, almost ready to pledge loyalty in excitement, Strasser felt it was the right moment to present his request.
"Colonel Model, there is a task I need to assign to you. This task is very challenging, but it is also of great significance."
"This position is crucial to the unity and territorial integrity of Germany, to the survival of the German people, and to the honor of the German military. Are you willing to accept this mission?"
"I am willing to accept this position, Commander-in-Chief," said the Model subconsciously.
"Very well, now I will tell you what your position is."
Strasser revealed a smile of triumph.
"Colonel Otto Moritz Walter Model, you have now been officially promoted to Brigadier."
"I appoint you as the Deputy Commander-in-Chief for the campaign against France, effectively exercising the powers of the Commander-in-Chief. You will collaborate with General Siket to resist the invasion of the French."
After Strasser finished speaking, there was a moment of silence in the room, and Model, realizing what was happening, looked shocked.
"Commander-in-Chief! I can't be hearing this right. The French are really coming?"
Strasser was very satisfied with Model's performance. He did not focus on his own position first, but instead prioritized the messages coming from the French people. Just for this reason, he was trustworthy.
Putting the safety of the country before his own promotion is what makes a true soldier.
"Yes, according to the information transmitted by our intelligence personnel in France, it is highly likely that France will launch an attack on Germany in two weeks."
National Defense Forces "Now we urgently need a commander, so I came to you."
As the future "Imperial Iron Wall," Model's temperament is naturally incomparable to ordinary people.
After the initial shock, Model quickly calmed down and began to analyze with his meticulous mind.
"Let me think, why would the Commander-in-Chief come to me? The General Staff of the Army actually has no shortage of commanding talents, and their level is not inferior to mine as a colonel. But you say you can't find a suitable candidate, so it must be that they all refused you."
"However, when it comes to resisting the French people, I believe no one would refuse. The reason is probably just one: you proposed battle conditions that they cannot accept, right?" Model laughed. Strasser felt a bit startled; this guy was able to deduce such a layer of meaning from just a few words.
Are there so many ambitious generals in Germany? Why do Rommel and Gudauri not have this kind of feeling for themselves?
"You are absolutely right. My requirement for those generals is to fight against the French people without exposing Germany's violations of the Treaty of Versailles."
Strasser simply admitted it, as it was impossible to keep it a secret.
"Accurately speaking, we should be conducting operations without violating the Anglo-German Naval Agreement, right? After all, our Germany's two hundred thousand National Defense Forces have already violated the Treaty of Versailles. In other words, this time our operations need to resist the French people, while also not allowing the British people to perceive the strength of the National Defense Forces, so that they would be willing to intervene."
Model added.
Look, if everyone in the General Staff of the Army were as understanding as Model, Strasser would be moved to tears.
What he wanted was for the British people to take action. Germany is not yet ready to engage in a world war, so it would be unwise to immediately tear up the Treaty of Versailles at this moment.
Due to ideological reasons, the UK's vigilance towards Germany will be stricter than its historical stance towards the Third Reich. If they cross their bottom line, Strasser will find it much harder to employ diplomatic tactics like Hitler did in the past. No wonder Hitler had such a preference for Model in history; every time he replenished troops, he prioritized Model's forces.
There is a subordinate who is adept at clarifying the relationship between politics and military affairs, and Strasser would favor him just the same.
"You are right. In this anti-invasion war, the National Defense Forces can only use weapons from World War I and some infantry weapons that Germany is allowed to develop under the Anglo-German Naval Agreement. Armored vehicles and tanks cannot be utilized, and we also lack air support."
"Using tanks and armored vehicles is fine, but not being able to use anti-tank guns and self-propelled artillery is a bit difficult. How should we deal with the French people's tanks? Should we use infantry carrying explosive packs to blow them up?" Model expressed their difficulties.
"Don't worry about this issue. Last year, Krupp Company developed a new type of anti-tank rifle. Although it's not as powerful as an anti-tank gun, it's still effective in causing damage to those lightly armored tanks."
After all, not only have the French people failed to develop the Renault R40 heavy tank, they haven't even managed to produce the Renault R35 light tank. All they have are a batch of these World War I relics, the Renault FT17, which can be taken care of with anti-tank guns. "Since the tank problem can be solved, the only remaining question is how determined the French people are this time."
"Because our Germany can only deploy 200,000 regular troops on the battlefield, while France can deploy 300,000, 400,000, or even 500,000, their ability to deploy forces on the battlefield will determine the outcome of This war."
Model asked.
"That's also why I asked you to come. If we surrender quickly, then they can continue to reinforce until they occupy the entire Germany."
"If we resist stubbornly and inflict heavy casualties on them, the French people do not have the courage to fight us to the end. The European war has drained their courage, but it has not drained ours." Strasser said fiercely.
"Our deployment principle is to abandon unnecessary places and not take a step back in critical areas. We must make all French people who set foot on Germany's territory bleed dry! Make them regret coming to Germany's territory! Regret why they came here to die!"
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