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Text Chapter 983 Explosions in the Pyrenees (Part 1)

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    The terrible night finally ended. When the sun rose from the east, Yuda Norio and his family climbed out of the reservoir with pale faces and walked home numbly.  Along the way, the familiar streets have been reduced to charcoal. There are charred and twisted corpses everywhere among the crackling wood and under the broken rubble.  Some of them had lost their appearance and were huddled together, with their intestines exploding and filling the air with a fishy stench.  Even the hard cement was burnt to gray-white color and immediately shattered into sand with a gentle squeeze of the hand.  It's not just the neighborhood where his home is located. Looking far away, the scene is like this all within a radius of more than ten kilometers.  The urban areas of Tokyo, which were once lined with rows of rooftops, seemed to have been swept by a storm, with almost no standing buildings in sight!  The miserable picture reminds people of the terrible Tokyo earthquake twenty years ago.

    A beeping horn woke up Yuta Norio and those who were standing in the rubble at a loss. They turned around and saw a car with the royal emblem driving over, surrounded by a large group of military vehicles.

    The car door opened, and Hirohito appeared in front of the public, accompanied by Anami Weiji and others.  "It's the Emperor, His Majesty the Emperor" In the whispers, people fell to their knees, but the look of admiration and enthusiasm on their faces was replaced by panic.  "Your Majesty" Tojo and several cabinet ministers gathered around, but when they were about to speak, Hirohito stopped him.

    Hirohito stepped forward slowly, stepping on sewage and coke, his brows tightening as he walked.  Finally, he stopped at the entrance of a bombed-out school. The school building and buildings were no longer visible.  Only two doorposts were left standing.  He raised his head slightly, looked at the white and gray door pillars, stepped forward, broke off a piece of burned cement, and held it firmly.  Cement powder like fine sand immediately flowed out from the cracks in the fingers.  Why is this?  why is it like this!  No one can understand his heart at this moment.  The emperor, who was determined to learn from Meiji and turn Japan into a world power, only understood this at this moment.  The style of war has long since changed. The Scourge of the Sea is so fragile in the face of new weapons. The opponent can already pierce the sharp blade directly into his heart!  More importantly, this bombing completely told the Japanese that the previously promoted victory was all lies!  Just look at the eyes around you and you will know how cruel this slap is!

    What a travesty this is!

    Although he knew that the war situation was completely different from what the generals said, he never gave up his dream.  He believes that one day, there will be another epic counterattack like Tsushima Strait and Wake Island.  Reversing the unfavorable situation in one fell swoop.  But what was waiting for him was the devastated scene in front of him.  Thinking of this, he couldn't help but sigh sadly: "Anan. Look"

    Anami Weiji once served as the Emperor's bodyguard.  It can be said that he is the officer who is most familiar with Hirohito.  Hearing his dazed voice at this moment, I suddenly screamed in my heart.  He quickly bent down and said: "Your Majesty, please express your condolences! At this moment, it is an opportunity to announce the atrocities in my country to the whole country and inspire more imperial national souls! We must not back down! Although the empire is difficult, we still have Okinawa There are two gates with North Korea. As long as we hold on, China will have no chance to invade our country. Today, the allies have made great progress in Europe, and it won¡¯t be long before the British and American ghosts will fail and surrender! So we must not back down at this time! "

    Tojo who was next to him also hurriedly walked over. He knew better that if Hirohito backed down, he would be the most unlucky.  So he said excitedly: "Your Majesty. What Mr. Anan said makes sense. The empire is very difficult, but it has not reached the point of failure! If we retreat, we will be completely destroyed like Germany in 1918! The Yamato nation will be  It¡¯s really hopeless!¡±

    Yes, Okinawa and North Korea are still in our hands, how can we admit defeat?  Germany was able to recover from the last war because it had a strong industrial base, with technology, coal and iron, and was deep in the center of the European continent.  But what about Japan?  Isolated outside the sea, the territory is narrow, and the local resources are not even as good as those of the United Kingdom, which is also an island country. Once you give up, you really have no chance!  "National war! Starting today! We must tell all the people about the brutality of China! Let everyone understand that this is a war of national destiny!" Hirohito's face became colder and colder after thinking about it, and he roared loudly and stepped hard on the rubble.

    The words of continuing the war rippled among the rubble. Anan and Tojo looked at each other and quietly relaxed.  Only Togo Shigeru, who was behind him, sighed inwardly and turned around to see that Yuda Norio and other ordinary residents had quietly disappeared at the end of the city at some point.

    The impact of the bombing on March 23 was too great. After inspecting the damage in Tokyo, Hirohito gave a speech condemning the bombing and massacre and vowed to fight to the end.  The military also recruited soldiers again, requiring all Japanese nationals aged 14 to 45 to receive military training and be prepared for homeland defense.  The atmosphere in Okinawa and North Korea was even more tense, especially in Okinawa. The army also opened warehouses and distributed grenades to every Japanese immigrant family, asking everyone to be prepared to be loyal to the emperor!

    The tragic bombing shocked not only Japan, but also the whole world!  FollowThe "Typhoon" plan to counterattack Japan was launched. The first stage of "Rainbow Bombing" was so terrifying that even American pilots such as Chennault who observed the entire bombing process were attracted and realized for the first time the huge role of strategic bombing.

    The day after Hirohito¡¯s speech, Yang Qiu also delivered another national speech.  While thanking the pilots for their outstanding contributions, he also said that the bombing would continue until Japan completely laid down all its weapons and surrendered unconditionally!  During this period, all cities, buildings, roads, bridges, docks, etc., as long as they are judged to be military targets, are within the bombing range!  Finally, he implicitly hinted that the emperor system was the culprit of the war.  This speech undoubtedly stimulated both sides. Although the British Air War and the Ural Bombing had shown signs of strategic bombing, both sides were relatively restrained at that time and mainly focused on destroying the other side's industrial capabilities.  But "Rainbow Bombing" was a carefully planned systematic destruction of a country, destroying the enemy's war capabilities from all aspects!  In the following year, the bombing also extended to rural farmland and mountainous areas, strafing cattle and horses working the land, and placing millions of landmines on paddy fields and roads.  Use submarines and aircraft to lay mines to block waterways and harbors

    The most positive reaction was undoubtedly Churchill in London. On the third day after Yang Qiu's speech, the old Sir made a high-profile claim that the "Rainbow Bombing" operation was the most important turning point for the Allies since the war began, and also clamored to learn from China.  Air Force, bomb Germany back to the Stone Age!  The U.S. military also feels pressure from across the Pacific. On the one hand, it speeds up the establishment of its own strategic bombing command to specialize in studying ways to attack opponents through strategic bombing. On the other hand, it speeds up the production of B-17 and B-24 bombers.  Research began on applying the "Rainbow Bombing" model to the European battlefield.

    ¡°However, compared with Japan, which has sparse air defense, the US military¡¯s bombing in Europe has not gone smoothly.  On March 30, the seventh day after the start of the "Rainbow Bombing", the US military also experimentally dispatched 126 B-17 bombers carrying incendiary bombs to conduct night bombings on Bremen.  But the result was disappointing. When the American bomber group arrived in the sky over Bremen, it was immediately intercepted by a large group of BF110 night fighters. In the end, 47 B-17s were shot down in one go, which was the first time since the war began.  The record for the most bomber sorties shot down at one timeforced Eisenhower to order a moratorium on bombing experiments.

    The experiment failed due to the lack of experience of the US military and Germany's unusually tenacious air defense capabilities. However, Britain and the United States did not give up. On the contrary, the two countries actively cooperated.  Accelerate research on new tactics and new ammunition.

    But the fierce "rainbow bombing" will definitely not come to the European continent so soon.  Because no matter how fierce Churchill clamored, strategic bombing actually required a lot of supplies. Before the German navy and submarines were completely eliminated, the fragile Atlantic waterways could not support the huge material needs of long-term strategic bombing.  So at this point, Britain and the United States are far inferior to the Chinese Air Force, which has been preparing for this for several years.  Therefore, for Britain and the United States, the current top priority is to gain a foothold in North Africa and the Mediterranean as soon as possible.  Recapture Malta and completely defeat the German navy to ensure the smooth flow of Atlantic shipping lanes.

    Hitler and the German army also understood this. Even with Malta, Italy's poor supply capacity in the Mediterranean would not be able to support the North African Army for a long time.  Therefore, whether the Strait of Gibraltar can be completely closed will be the key to the successful completion of the Greater Mediterranean Plan!  Only the Mediterranean became an inland sea.  Only then could the German army continue to develop eastward¡ª¡ª

    The temporarily peaceful southern Europe finally ushered in the spring breeze. On the towering and steep Pyrenees, the snow gradually melted and gathered into streams of clear springs flowing into the low and gentle southern slopes.  The green buds grow rapidly under the nourishment of snow water.  The shepherd girl picked unknown flowers, curled them into garlands, and put them on her head while playing.  Groups of cattle and sheep passed by them, running towards the deeper pastures.

    A Junkers JU52 transport plane broke the tranquility of the mountainous area. Countless black iron crosses were everywhere under its wings, making people unable to help but breathe nervously.  The plane followed the Esela River Valley and landed in the quiet border town of Benasque.  This small town, which is almost isolated from the world, has many strange figures today.  The residents of the city watched with fear from behind their windows as the Falangist agents blocked the only external road, listened to the tapping of leather boots on the ground, and hugged their children tightly.

    "Welcome, Mr. Ribbentrop." Spanish Minister of the Interior and Foreign Affairs Sunel was wearing a military uniform and standing at the airport with a smile. When he saw Ribbentrop coming out of the plane, he took three steps and two steps at a time.  Welcoming him.  Such enthusiasm even surprised the entourage of both parties.  But in fact, Ribbentrop looked very unhappy. If he could choose, he would rather deal with the moody Stalin than deal with this "Barcelona miser".

    You know, in order to persuade Spain to join the war, this is the seventh time in half a year that he has fought alone with Sunier.During the meeting, countless supplies were promised during the negotiations, and they even agreed to co-administer Gibraltar and hand over French West Africa to Spain after the war, but Sunier and Franco always gritted their teeth.  What's even more annoying is that the smiles on these guys' faces haven't changed from beginning to end!

    "Your Excellency Sunier, is this the eighth time we have met? I hope this time will have a happy ending." Ribbentrop nodded solemnly before looking around: "What a beautiful place, this is still my first time."  First time in the Pyrenees."

    Sunier maintained the smile of a professional diplomat, as if he had not heard the taunt just now: "This is such a pity. In fact, we also have very good vineyards in Spain."

    Ribbentrop¡¯s mouth twitched. Anyone who knows his background should know this.  In 1920, he married the daughter of the German champagne manufacturing king, which was the beginning of his journey into the upper class.  Because of this, he gained the favor of his aunt, and was finally adopted into her name, possessing the title of noble surrender.  This incident was well known in the German aristocratic circles, and those who attacked him always talked about it and ridiculed his title as "unknown origin."  Now Sunier deliberately mentioned the vineyard, which was obviously to attack the ridicule he had just made.

    Full of sullenness, Ribbentrop lost all interest in talking in circles.  Let's get straight to the point: "Your Excellency Sunier, has Prime Minister Franco considered it? The head of state and we in Germany really hope that you can join in."

    "Well" Sunier deliberately pondered for a moment and then said slowly: "Mr. Foreign Minister, Prime Minister Franco has held many meetings to study and is very willing to provide manpower and military help. He also started  Form volunteers. But other members of Congress still have some doubts about joining your country in the war, so we need time. But if your country can provide some support, I believe the members will gradually change their attitude." Suniel said this  True and false.  In order not to completely break up with Hitler.  Franco was indeed organizing volunteers, providing weapons and equipment and secret training bases, and he continued to sell materials provided by Britain and the United States to Germany at low prices.  But said join the axis.  Franco was unwilling.  First, Britain and the United States are currently at a disadvantage.  But the two countries have not yet exerted their full strength.  The United States, in particular, is in an invincible position and has great industrial capabilities. Once the military gains experience, it will become very scary.  Secondly, the Spanish Civil War has just ended, and there are so many guerrillas and separatists in the country.  After the war started in North Africa, these people became more and more rampant. There were still many places suffering from famine, and the country could not afford to waste it due to insufficient national strength.

    But these clich¨¦s were undoubtedly rejected by Ribbentrop. He said angrily: "Your Excellency Sunier, didn't the head of state already agree to support? I want to remind you! This war is no longer an ordinary conflict. It is  It has evolved into an intercontinental war! It is America and Asia versus Europe! The loser will forever lose its position in the world! Please don¡¯t forget that Beijing and Washington have been emphasizing the abolition of colonies. The colonial nations must be given the right to self-government. If we  If it fails, Spain will not only have no chance to regain Gibraltar, but will also lose all its overseas territories. Because the people there will choose autonomy and independence with the support of China and the United States."

    Ribbentrop spoke with great emotion and analyzed the pros and cons in a simple and profound way, but Sunier didn't listen to a word of it.  Because in previous negotiations, he had asked Germany for 10 new 380mm long-range coastal defense guns, hundreds of JU87 and BF109 aircraft and other military support. He also requested 800,000 tons of oil, 800,000 tons of wheat,  100,000 tons of cotton, 25,000 tons of rubber, and 660,000 tons of fertilizers were provided as aid, but so far, Hitler has received nothing!

    You know, before the United States entered the war, Franco really considered joining the war, so he specifically asked Germany to support 10 long-range large-caliber heavy artillery and hundreds of bombers.  In this way, Spain can deploy artillery and aircraft close to Gibraltar, recapture this haunted fortress, block the only channel connecting the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, and turn the Mediterranean into a lake for the Axis powers.  By then, the Italian and Spanish naval fleets will be running rampant in the Mediterranean, Britain's oil and food supplies in the Far East will be cut off, and the passage to Central Europe will also be cut off.

    However, Hitler refused these military supports. Instead, he kept asking Spain to declare its participation in the war first and to lease the Balearic Islands to the German army. Support could only be provided if these conditions were met.  But how can this be done?  !  If these key weapons and supplies cannot be obtained after entering the war, Spain may not be able to defend it for even three weeks with its current military strength.

    So as the United States entered the war, Franco's intention to join the war gradually faded. While dealing with Hitler, he flirted with Britain and the United States.

    Of course Ribbentrop knew what the Spaniards were thinking, but Germany really couldn¡¯t afford to wait!

    If Gibraltar is not blocked, Malta and the miserable Italian navy alone will not be able to survive for long.  Once the United States recovered from the Battle of Wake Island, it could deploy several times its fleet to sweep across the Mediterranean.  ?On the surface, the Japanese navy is likely to fail in the near future. When the three major naval powers of China, the United States and Britain join forces, the Mediterranean Sea will become the inner lake of the alliance.  At that time, let alone continue to attack T¨¹rkiye and the Middle East, I am afraid that even Italy will fall.  So he suppressed his anger and said tactfully: "Your Majesty Sunier, please rest assured that as long as your country agrees to participate in the war, you promise to deliver the necessary weapons and supplies immediately."

    "No, no, no" Sunier shook his head like a rattle: "Mr. Foreign Minister, without substantial assistance, it will be difficult for us to convince members of Congress."

    "These ungrateful Spanish villains!" Seeing that this guy was so helpless, Ribbentrop cursed in his heart, wishing he could take Sunier back and let the Gestapo teach him a lesson.

    Only now did he realize what a difficult and petty opponent he had encountered this time.  Of course, he couldn't just go back in despair. Since he couldn't reach an agreement with Sunier, he could only continue talking with Franco.  So he asked angrily: "Excuse me, when will Prime Minister Franco arrive?"

    "Tomorrow afternoon." Suniel still had a smile on his face
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