Chapter 641 Sleepless Night

When he received the news from North Africa, Petain was furious, and although it was still an hour before dawn, he had already been awakened.

The events of the past two days have already made him devastated. First, the French warships in the British port were detained, and then the French West Indies. The local French fleet was also disarmed, which caused the French Navy to lose more than a dozen warships. At the same time, Pétain's dissatisfaction with the British behavior reached its peak.

And now, I didn't expect that the British had more than that, and they were threatening their own Mediterranean fleet! It was simply intolerable for him.

"Tell the English they're dreaming!" cried Petain, wearing his pajamas, as he entered the meeting room.

At this time, in the conference room, other people have also been seated.

Darlan also came. Just after he got the news that the British detained the French warship, as the mainstay of the navy, Darlan received the order of Marshal Pétain and hurried to the capital from the port of Toulon.

The capital at this time was still Clermont-Ferrand. Because the urban area was too small and there were few houses, Darlan lived in a small hotel outside. He couldn't sleep at all these days. As a result, the news came After that, I went to the conference room immediately.

Hearing Petain's words, Darlan said: "Yes, the British conspiracy must not be allowed to succeed!"

The French navy is proud. If it is slapped by the British navy, it will definitely be a shame for the French navy! Why should the French Navy listen to the British Parliament?

"However, the threat of the British is right in front of us. If our fleet does not respond, I think the British will open fire." Admiral Esteva said.

The British, now that they have made a gesture, the French navy, either surrender to the British navy or die.

This sentence is actually enough to anger the French navy, but now, it is clear that the French navy is at a disadvantage, because they have not entered a state of combat readiness.

All warships are parked, and the boilers are off. If they want to fight, they must ignite. Moreover, for the steam engine, the boiler has just been ignited, and it cannot drive the steam turbine. If you want the warship to start Get up, you still need to wait.

And during this period of time, enough to give the British a chance, the British are on guard.

Even as soon as smoke comes out of the chimneys of their own warships, the British will find out their intentions, and they will even fire on their own warships immediately.

As an admiral, Esteva knew how urgent the situation on the front line was at this time, and they could be attacked at any time.

Moreover, it was obvious that the British had brought their remaining main force, and simply relying on the fleet anchored in Algeria would not be able to compete with the British at all. In the event of a conflict, they would definitely suffer.

"So, we have to delay the time." Admiral Darlan said: "I think we can simply send a telegram to Jean Sur and ask him to talk to the other party first to delay the time. At the same time, the warships are set on fire to prepare for battle. , Moreover, the warships in the port of Toulon on our side must also rush there, and once a war breaks out, our warships will not suffer."

Darlan's method is practical and feasible. Just as Petain was about to nod his head, he saw his confidant Pierre Laval speak: "Everyone, why don't we directly inform the Armistice Commission about this?"

Before and after the surrender of France, the Armistice Commission had always played a leading role, or, in other words, it was an institution specially set up by Germany in order to control France more conveniently.

Now that France has surrendered, wouldn't it be better to let the Germans come forward in this case?

Hearing Pierre's words, Darlan immediately shook his head: "No, this is a matter of our French Navy, and has nothing to do with the Germans."

As a naval commander, Darlan still has a lofty sense of honor. The British came forward with great fanfare to provoke them, and they couldn't beat Germany. Shouldn't even the UK be afraid?

Moreover, if it was with the help of the Germans to scare the British away, the French Navy would be even more faceless after that!

At such a time, Darlan is quite firm, and he can do it himself without the need for Germans!

Moreover, he also knows that the main target of the German Navy is the Atlantic Ocean, and the Mediterranean Sea still needs to be controlled by the French Navy. In this way, the French Navy must continue to exist. If this trouble cannot be solved, then the French Navy, Is there still a need for it?

Maybe the Germans will requisition all their warships away! The French navy has no power. He absolutely does not want to see such a scene.

This is a matter of the French Navy, not the Germans! Even the deterrence of a former friend can't be dealt with, and the French Navy is too embarrassing!

Darren, firmly opposed.

However, Pierre insisted: "Germany has many means of countering surface ships. At this time, it is enough to rely on Germany's strength. Why should we consume our strength? This is also caused by the Germans. It should be Leave it to the Germans."

Of course, Pierre has other intentions. Now he is definitely hugging Germany's thighs. It's not interesting to not inform Germany of such an important matter.

In this way, there was a lot of noise in the conference room, and time passed little by little.

In the port of Mirskbir, let General Sur on his bridge, walking around and waiting anxiously, at this time, the east has gradually brightened.

Could it be that Marshal Pétain was sleeping when the telegram was sent and had to wait for him to wake up?

No, absolutely not, can't wait!

This is the third time he has sent a telegram. Now, he looks at the British destroyer that is still beside him, and finally gives his order: "Colonel Holland please come up, all warships, immediately set fire to it!"

His thoughts are almost the same as Darlan's, and now, he can only hold on to the other side first!

Simply, I invite my old friend Colonel Holland to come over, sit together, and discuss. At the same time, our warships should be ignited quickly, and the steam pressure can be stored before they can be dispatched.

It was a sleepless night, and many people did not sleep. As far away as Churchill in London, I have been sitting in the wartime cabinet office at 10 Downing Street, maintaining frequent contacts with staff, the Lord of the Navy and the First Sea Lord, looking forward to good the arrival of news.

There is no need to think about the French mainland. If the warships of the French North African Fleet in the port of Mierskebil are brought over, the British Navy can finally continue to hold on for a while.