Chapter 110 Egypt
Britain has been operating in Egypt for many years, and its influence has long penetrated into every corner of the country. The traces left by the British Empire can be seen everywhere in the streets and alleys of Cairo. Although some knowledgeable people in the middle and lower levels of Egypt have been seeking to completely separate Egypt from the British, the ruling class of the country is very clear that at this time, the circle around Egypt is full of colonies of European countries, and has been separated from Britain's protection. Egypt is simply unable to continue to maintain sovereignty and territorial integrity in this environment surrounded by powerful enemies.
Britain controlled most of Egypt's armed forces, and also held the power of national diplomacy and part of the internal affairs. The Egyptians on the surface held the administrative power of the country, provided that they could not disobey the opinions of the British Empire.
Egyptian King Farouk I was a luxurious and ardent playboy. Every day, except for staying at the dining table to enjoy the delicacies purchased from all over the world, he spent most of his time on gambling and fishing and hunting. In ancient China, he was undoubtedly a standard foolish king.
He was born with learning disabilities, and his talent was extremely limited. He was once sent to study in the UK by the king, but he was mingled with the British aristocratic playboys every day. He didn't learn other skills, but he was good at eating, drinking, betting and gambling.
He also likes to steal things, you read that right, this king is an outstanding thief. In order to practice theft technique, he also studied under a habitual thief in a prison. Whenever he held state affairs and social gatherings, he would find an opportunity to steal the items brought by guests and collect these stolen goods as a memory. The most famous time in history was when he stole Churchill's pocket watch. As a result, Fatty Qiu, who was both stingy and petty, did not indulge him like others, but used the state machine to force the king to hand over the pocket watch he stole.
Therefore, the British side showed considerable trust in this guy who was obviously a little unnatural. This person had no capital to become a hero at all and could not cause damage to the interests of the British Empire in Egypt.
Egypt's geographical location is very important. It guards the main land passage between Africa and the Middle East, and the Suez Canal is an international shipping passage with strategic value. Until the last resort, the British Empire will never give up on Egypt.
The security of the capital Cairo is of course the top priority, because this city, which was built at the beginning of the Nile Delta, had no natural dangers around it that could be used for reliance. If high walls and deep trenches could be used to resist invasion in ancient times, however, in modern warfare, Cairo was the most suitable target for mechanized troops to assault.
The British established a well-equipped air force base in the west of Cairo, and arranged a relatively powerful air force here, fully controlling the air supremacy of the Nile Delta. They laid two 2,200-meter-long runways on the yellow sand and rock bases to take off and land the largest bomber in Britain. Once Egypt is invaded, the bomber troops can launch from Cairo to bomb any border of the country.
For Egypt, the biggest threat always comes from the sea. Cairo is less than 170 kilometers away from the Mediterranean. Once the enemy lands from the coastline, it only takes a day and a night to reach the capital. The British Navy once stationed the main force of the Mediterranean Fleet in Alexandria, but now there are not many combat-capable warships left in the UK. They can only draw some ships from the Mediterranean Fleet to replenish the local fleet that is being rebuilt.
When the European war was at its peak, Egypt's garrison could only rely on eight infantry battalions from Australia, but now all the Australians have returned to their hometowns. In order to protect the security of the suzerain country, Australia finally gathered these troops. Since the war was over, Britain had no reason to continue to detain the reinforcements and let these brave soldiers return home safely, which was the best reward for them.
The main force of the British army stationed in Egypt has been replaced by an English-Indian infantry division transferred from India, and there are four standard colonial infantry regiments formed in Egypt and sixteen British independent infantry companies. The troops are about 40,000, which is inconspicuous in Europe. However, in the eyes of some tribal chiefs in the Middle East, this is already a powerful force that is enough to influence the rise and fall of a country.
In Egypt, the British army also deployed a large-scale tank armored force. The combined number of tanks is enough to form an armored brigade, but the models are generally old, at least two-thirds of which are ultra-light tanks with backward defense, and the remaining are slow-moving infantry tanks.
The British established military factories in Egypt, which could make some conventional ammunition and weapons. Before the outbreak of the European war, technicians could already process parts that were easily depleted on the tank and could perform some simple repairs on the tank.
"These are the Vicks tanks that have been repaired this month, and are placed here waiting for the troops below to receive them." Colonel Hunter said on a beautiful maroon Arab horse, pointing with a horse whip to the two rows of tanks parked on the clearings beside the runway.
"The speed of combat preparation must be accelerated, and London is very worried about the annoying things that happened on the East Coast, and the patience of the House of Lords will soon be worn out." Sir Fay rode a black Hannover horse, a birthday gift from a German friend.
"You mean, those who are all in Whitehall support this plan?" Colonel Hunter pulled his horse's head.
"I said nothing, Colonel." Sir Fay squeezed his eyes at the Colonel.
"Did you just say something? Your Excellency." The colonel replied very well.
"Now wait for the German African army to enter Egypt. With the deterrence of the Germans, the situation in the Middle East will soon stabilize." Sir Fay said while combing the smooth mane of the mount with his hands.
"The situation in the entire northern Africa will be affected not only in the Middle East, but also in northern Africa. In fact, I am more concerned about the attitudes of Iran and Türkiye."
"Don't worry about this issue. The Germans have a much greater influence on them than us. The Head of State is very clear about this, so he secretly sent his special envoy to Egypt." Sir Fay said confidently.
"Do you think that German envoy came for this operation?" asked Colonel Hunter.
"This possibility cannot be ruled out."
"You mean, the Germans already have our plans?"
"Someone should have told them that they will be fully informed sooner or later. We cannot ask their army to cooperate with the operation while hiding it from the Germans." Sir Fay spread his hands and shrugged.
"Yes, what you said makes sense, Your Excellency." Colonel Hunter nodded in agreement.
"Now, the time is almost over. Let's go to the tarmac. The German messenger's plane is coming. I don't want the guests to wait for us masters." Sir Fay took out his pocket watch at his waist and looked at it.
"Do you want to compete again? Whoever runs to the tarmac first wins, I will bet ten pounds." Colonel Hunter shook the whip in his hand.
"Ten pounds, first come first served." Before Fay finished speaking, the heel of the horse boots tapped the waist of the mount, and the Hannover horse under his crotch suddenly jumped forward, and then ran towards the distance like an arrow from the string.
"Hey, you are cheating, sir!" Colonel Hunter hurriedly gave his Arab horse a whip and hurriedly chased the Jazz.
ps: Chapter 2 is presented.
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