Chapter 122: Emperor's support
The next morning, Moltke Jr., von Falkenhain, and Waldsee went to the palace together to show William II the attitude of the army in the marine corps.
"Your Majesty, it is absolutely unacceptable for the navy to try to form a ground force. This breaks the long-standing practice. All along, the ground force of the German Empire has been formed and managed by the army. If the navy intervenes, it will inevitably It will lead to confusion in management. Not only will it cause a waste of resources, but it will also cause great dissatisfaction in the army. Therefore, I implore Your Majesty to veto the navy's proposal." Xiao Maoqi talked eloquently, listing the formation of the Marine Corps The disadvantages of the plan require William II to directly veto the proposal of the navy.
William II's face also became serious, although he had already guessed that the navy's attitude would be very tough. However, he found that he still underestimated the determination of the army in this regard.
"Is this the opinion of the entire army?" William II asked.
"Yes, Your Majesty." Little Maoqi replied immediately.
King Wilhelm II looked at von Falkenhain and Waldsee.
"Your Majesty, I also don't think it is necessary to establish the Marine Corps." Von Falkenhain said.
"Your Majesty, landing warfare is no stranger to the Imperial Army. We can conduct special training in this area. Therefore, the Navy doesn't have to bother to build a new force alone." General Waldsee said.
King William II nodded. He had an intuitive understanding of the Army's opinion. Since these important leaders of the army have clearly expressed their opposition, this undoubtedly represents the opinion of the entire army.
However, William II also had his own ideas. The conflict between Xiao Maoqi and Qin Tian has become more and more acute now, which is very unfavorable for gathering the power of Germany and winning future wars. What's more, William II didn't want Qin Tian to succeed to the throne without the support of the army after his death. William II could also understand Qin Tian's mood. It was precisely because of this reason that Qin Tian would find another way, hoping to expand his influence in the army.
Little Mao Qi couldn't help showing a smile on his face when he saw this situation. He believes that even William II will not object when the army is united. After all, the German Empire was built with a strong army. The army has the greatest influence in the empire. Even the emperor had to consider the opinion of the army.
"Everyone, I can understand your feelings. However, in my opinion, the navy does not seem to challenge the army. The navy hopes to establish a professional landing combat force so that when it lands in the UK in the future, it can Reduce casualties as much as possible. This is undoubtedly very beneficial to the empire." William II said.
After William II said these words, the faces of Moltke, von Falkenhain, and Waldsee suddenly changed. Before, they thought that William II would be on their side when the army was united. But now it seems that William II's attitude has changed, and he is obviously inclined to the navy. And this will undoubtedly make things change a lot.
"Your Majesty, if the Navy has the funds to form the Marine Corps, it is better to invest these funds in the construction of warships. After all, the Royal Navy must be defeated before they can land on the British mainland. Now, the Navy has not even done this. It's too arrogant to start talking about planning to land in the British mainland." Xiao Maoqi blurted out after thinking about it.
William II's complexion suddenly became a little ugly. The German navy can be said to have developed and grown under the hands of William II. He has always counted this as one of his greatest exploits. But now, Little Mao Qi actually laughed at the German navy's inability to defeat the British Royal Navy, which was undoubtedly unacceptable to William II. If it wasn't for little Mao Qi being his best friend, William II would have turned his back on him long ago.
After Xiao Moqi finished speaking, he also realized his mistake. But the words spoken are like water poured out, how can we take them back?
Von Falkenhain and General Waldsee both grumbled inwardly.
"Let's listen to the opinions of the navy first, and then talk about it!" William II said with a straight face.
When the three of Xiao Maoqi went to the palace, Qin Tian and Marshal Count Tirpitz also received the news, and they also rushed to the palace. Both of them knew that the establishment of the Marine Corps depended on William II's decision today. After receiving the order to summon William II, the two arrived at William II's office in just a few minutes.
"Tirpitz, the Army strongly opposes the establishment of the Marine Corps by the Navy. Do you have any opinion on this?" William II asked blankly.
"Your Majesty, the formation of the Marine Corps is the navy's own business. It seems that there is no need to listen to the army's opinion." Tirpitz's attitude was also very tough.
"Tirpitz, how can you say that? You are breaking the rules. If the army also builds a fleet, what will the navy think?" Little Mao Qi was furious.
"Does the Army want to build a fleet? The Navy will not refuse, and we will raise our hands in agreement." Marshal Tirpitz replied directly.
Little Maoqi was speechless immediately, how could the army build a fleet? Warships are a waste of money! A capital ship costs tens of millions of marks. If the army has so much money, it can go to form an infantry division.
"Tirpitz, is the navy trying to provoke the army?" Xiao Maoqi was furious.
"Little Moltke, the navy doesn't mean to provoke the army. We do this entirely for the benefit of the empire." Tirpitz said.
"Okay, both of you. Stop arguing. The Navy will form the Marine Corps, and it will not compete with the Army for power. The Marine Corps will not form as many troops as the Army, with a maximum of five divisions. And , The five divisions will be formed in the next few years, not all at once. I guarantee that the Marine Corps will never pose any threat to the Army." Qin Tian said.
Little Moltke still wants to object, but William II has made it clear at this time.
"In this case, I think the Army has no reason to object!" William II said.
Under such circumstances, apart from Moltke, von Falkenhain and Waldsee immediately expressed no objection.