Chapter 495 The Dream of the South Asian Subcontinent (First update, please subscribe)
India.
New Delhi.
Three months ago, August 15th was a carnival for hundreds of millions of Indians, and it was their Independence Day.
Three months ago, this country under British rule finally ushered in independence. The British Union Jack was everywhere replaced by the saffron, white and green flag of independent India. On that day, the national flag slowly rose and more than half a million people cheered in unison. When the flag was raised to the top of the flagpole, a rainbow appeared in the sky. In the eyes of Indians, this is the manifestation of the Holy Spirit by the gods.
"God has given us such an auspicious sign, who can stop us from moving forward?"
I don't know how many Indians think so. Although there are inevitably some pains in this process, in the eyes of optimistic people, that But it's just the pain of India's new life.
November, New Delhi, central hill, Prime Minister’s official residence.
This majestic palace-style building in Mughal style was originally named Victoria Palace. It can be seen from the name that this palace once served as the "Royal Palace" of India and the residence of the Viceroy of India. A few months ago, after India's independence, the Governor's Palace, built with red sandstone, was converted into the official residence of the Prime Minister.
In the past few months, this place has been the center of the storm - India has never been able to calm down before and after independence, because the independence of the princely states caused by partition has greatly weakened India's national power, and among believers They killed and injured millions of people.
However, compared to the latter, Indian Prime Minister Nehru and other officials in this official residence are more concerned about the former.
“India without Hyderabad would not be a complete India, nor would it occupy an important position on the world political stage.”
It must be said that as the Prime Minister of India, Nepal Nehru is definitely a typical "British". He not only received British education, but was also influenced by British imperial ideas. From the moment of independence, Nehru was committed to pursuing more than just British education. Just independence, but a "great and impressive country".
But how can there be a country within a country within a big country?
Not one, but more than thirty. Therefore, after the situation of independent state became inevitable, Nehru had already made up his mind to take back the state, even if it meant war. interest.
So from the day of independence, he sent princely commissioners to lobby those independent princely states one by one - princely states whose princes were Hindus, and made a lot of promises, as long as they remained neutral.
“The collective security forces are the mercenaries hired by the princely states from Asia.”
In the Prime Minister’s Office, Nehru glanced at Defense Minister Sardar Baldev. The reason why Singh, a Sikh, was appointed as the defense minister in India's first cabinet was because other senior Congress members did not want this position with little power and scope of influence. Although this guy is rich and easy-going, he is just a civil servant.
If you are going to war, you still need to seek the opinions of soldiers. Finally, Nehru turned his attention to General K. M. Kariappa, the commander-in-chief, and asked.
“Are we sure we can defeat those Japanese mercenaries?”
The reason why Nehru specifically mentioned these Japanese mercenaries was because in his judgment, this was the only force that would cause them trouble. As for Hyderabad's army... it was simply vulnerable.
Faced with the Prime Minister's inquiry, Admiral Kariappa said in a conceited tone.
"Your Excellency, Prime Minister, we defeated the Japanese army with tanks and aircraft during World War II. Although they were not afraid of death, we still killed them! We fought all the way to Singapore."
This Not just conceited, but an accurate judgment based on previous combat experience.
"Those Japanese devils now are just a group of mercenaries carrying rifles to go around. It only takes one shelling and they will flee in panic."
"General, you can't say that. Although I have never been on the battlefield, I know that the Japanese are still very brave. When they fight, they act like madmen."
As the Minister of Defense, Sa Although Dahl adheres to the standard behavior of an official in the colonial period of the British Empire and lives his life in an old-fashioned, colonial and outdated working way, he still earns a high salary, and there is still something to say.
“We always have to be more careful when facing them.”
Actually, the reason why he said this was not because he was such a careful person, but because he It's not the right thing to do with Admiral Cariappa. Since it's not the right way, we must object to what he said.
“So, according to the plan, we will invest 300,000 troops to attack Hyderabad from three directions...”
Admiral Cariappa then ordered people to unfold the map and explained that he and the staff officers were formulating a battle plan.
During the partition of India and Pakistan, India inherited millions of troops from the British-Indian army, including 15 infantry divisions, 19 armored regiments, 18.5 artillery regiments, 61 engineering regiments and 6 corps Factory, the Air Force was assigned 7 fighter squadrons and 1 transport aircraft squadron. In terms of military strength, it is definitely the best in Asia - after all, it has thousands of tanks alone, plus thousands of armored vehicles, and its technical equipment is definitely the first in Asia.
Excellent equipment gives India confidence. In the view of General Kariappa and his staff, it only takes a few days at most to mobilize 300,000 troops. time to end this battle.
“In one week, Your Excellency, Prime Minister, in one week, Hyderabad will be merged into India!”
Nehru stood up and walked to the map. Looking at Hyderabad on the map, Nehru was silent for a moment and then said.
“Very good, then inform the people of the National Servants Corps to act as planned!”
…
“Sir, the people of the National Servants Corps are starting to prepare for action. "
In the military camp near Hyderabad Airport, the major wearing British military uniform reported to Skorzeny.
The National Servants Corps is a fanatical Hindu organization. Before independence, they planned to assassinate Pakistani Prime Minister Jinnah. They also encouraged Hindus to attack peaceful believers across the country. The riots in Hyderabad were also related to this organization. There is an inseparable relationship.
Then, the major further said that all the intelligence they had confirmed the intelligence Skorzeny had received before: the National Servants would incite Hindu thugs to launch attacks on peaceful believers. .
"...We have enough reason to believe that this is all planned by New Delhi to find an excuse to invade Hyderabad."
Listening to the intelligence officer's report, Scholz He seemed extremely calm inside. He just glanced at the soldiers training outside the window quietly, and then said.
“Okay, it’s time for us to show off our skills.”
he said suddenly.
“It all came just in time.”
In fact, Skorzeny has been looking forward to the arrival of this day since the day he arrived here, and now, this day has finally arrived Got it!
"That said, don't forget, India has one million troops."
Chief of Staff Radel's reminder made Skorzeny smile.
"It's just one million!"
Ignoring the chief of staff's reminder, Skorzeny continued:
"We just need to implement it according to the plan. This battle There is no suspense.”
Unlike the commander’s confidence, Radel appeared cautious.
“But if they move very quickly on all sides, the means we can use will be limited.”
Although he is very confident in his own fighting power, Radel also has his own opinion - too many ants will kill the elephant. Besides, they are not elephants yet.
“We need this fight, Radel,”
Skorzeny laughed.
"After all, only through this battle can everyone believe that hiring the "Black Knight" is worth the money!"
(End of this chapter)