The night air raid on Jerusalem caused heavy losses to the British air force in the Middle East. Of more than 200 fighter planes deployed in Jerusalem, only about 40 survived.
It can be said that the sudden air raid this night destroyed the British Air Force's aviation power in the Middle East. Because the fighter planes deployed in Palestine are their elite, these fighters need to face the incoming Romanian enemy planes as soon as possible, so in the personnel
Priority was given to replenishing aircraft and aircraft types, which also severely damaged the vitality of the British Air Force in the Middle East.
Of course, such good news will inevitably appear on Edel's desk, but now he can't take care of this telegram because there is a more important news that makes him feel a little troublesome.
Edel looked at the Prime Minister and the Minister of Arms in front of him and asked in a confirming tone. "Are you saying that the current reserve of ammunition has been reduced to the lowest point?"
Faced with Edel's words, the former Minister of Industry Baldovin, who was the Minister of Arms and Arms, had to reply again. "Yes, Your Majesty, I have confirmed this repeatedly."
At a time when the Romanian army is advancing vigorously on all fronts, this news is not friendly at all.
Seeing that Edel did not speak, Baldovin could only bite the bullet and explain. "Your Majesty, our country currently produces about 70,000 tons of ammunition per month, but our average monthly consumption is 180,000 tons. The current ammunition inventory has been
Lowered to the cordon."
It must be mentioned here that Romania's ammunition stockpile was at its highest before the war. Its ammunition reserves were as high as 1.96 million tons, allowing it to become a fierce boost to the Romanian army.
When Edel heard this, he couldn't help but interjected. "Can you support the Middle East Army Group to complete the planned plan?"
"There's no problem with that."
As a high-level government official, how could Baldovin not know about Edel's interest in the Middle East? Naturally, he would not have any thoughts about the Middle East Army Group commanded by Hoffman.
After hearing Baldovin's answer, Edel asked curiously. "What do you mean?"
"Your Majesty, we can find a solution elsewhere."
In fact, there are not many ways to think of, other than to increase revenue and reduce expenditure. When it comes to increasing revenue, the current limit Romania can achieve is to produce 100,000 tons of ammunition per month, but this requires squeezing other aspects of production. However, this is unlikely, although this is
During wartime, we must still ensure the basic living security of the people. Unless it is dangerous, we can do this regardless of the situation.
Since open source is difficult to manage, the only way is to reduce expenditures.
The Army Group in the Middle East, which currently needs ammunition the most, not only cannot lack its ammunition, but it also has a priority guarantee.
In addition to the Middle East, the Russian-Sudan border is also a big consumer of ammunition. It needs 21,000 tons of ammunition every month to complete training and reserve, which is also indispensable. In addition, there is the security maintenance of the newly occupied areas of Greece, which is used
The ammunition is less, basically 8,000 tons per month.
Of course, the navy and air force also need a lot of ammunition, basically tens of thousands of tons, but these are all necessary consumption.
Of course, there is another army that also consumes a lot of ammunition, and that is the North African Army under the command of Antonescu, which consumes 18,000 tons of ammunition every month.
This is what troubles Baldovin and the Prime Minister the most, and this is also the reason why they came.
Bardovin said, "Your Majesty, the best way at the moment is to reduce our ammunition consumption. I think it is best for the North African Army led by General Antonescu to reduce combat consumption. At present, we
We cannot afford the ammunition consumption on all fronts."
Baldovin's words made Edel frown. "Does the military know about this?"
"We have talked to Marshal Freit and they have no objection to this."
Now Edel realized that the government and the military should have reached some kind of agreement. Otherwise, the officers would not let it go unless they jumped up and made a fuss about reducing their own ammunition supply. In this regard, Edel
Feeling a little wary.
"So what do you propose?"
"After discussion, the plan we have prepared is to reduce the supply of ammunition to the North African Army from 18,000 tons per month to 8,000 tons. The ammunition saved can be increased in stock or provided to the Middle East and the border with the Soviet Union.
.”
"Of course this is after we capture the city of Tunis."
Baldovan added a sentence here.
Now Edel fully understood that this was a manifestation of domestic dissatisfaction with aiding Italy. Of course, there was also a dispute of interests involved.
Perhaps Romania's recent performance has been too aggressive, which has made many people eager for Romania to gain more benefits in this war. Just seizing the Middle East no longer satisfies their appetite, and now they are targeting
In Africa, at least they were eyeing the British and French colonies in Africa.
If they want to seize their colonies in Africa, Italy will become an obstacle. Now they plan to reduce their support for Italy and start with the North African Army. I believe that at least after this success, other supplies will inevitably decrease.
Otherwise, why would an ammunition inventory problem arise just at this time?
Although Edel already understands their plan, it is a bit troublesome to stop it. Because this is a need of both military and political parties, it is very difficult for him to suppress this idea.
Edel's silence allowed the two of them to wait quietly. Although they wanted to seize benefits from their allies, this was not something to be embarrassed about. There were too many such things, and their performance on the battlefield can speak for itself.
.Whoever makes Italy perform poorly can also modify the previously promised benefits.
For a while, the room was unusually quiet, with only the sound of Edel walking back and forth.
"Don't be busy with this matter yet, wait until I discuss it with Mussolini."
Edel's answer made the two of them look disappointed.
The expressions of the two people did not escape Edel's eyes, and he continued. "We still need Italian help to capture Gibraltar. If we don't close the door to the Mediterranean, there will always be a hidden danger."
Yes, Edel felt that Gibraltar should be captured in advance and preparations must be made immediately after Tunisia and Suez were captured.
Edel's words made the two people's eyes light up again. Gibraltar is a good place. If Romania can also get involved, it will be able to exert influence on the region in the future, which will still be of great benefit.
Edel used Gibraltar to whet the appetites of the two men, and temporarily calmed the thoughts of the domestic military and political leaders.
Of course, we need to look at the performance of the Italians themselves next.
However, he himself is not optimistic about the performance of the Italians. Without the help of others, there is a high probability that the Italians will be knocked out of their original shape. He can only hope that this will come later, allowing Romania to free up his hands.
