Chapter 538 The reaction of the Annan Army

The nature of seizing the Natuna Islands from the Dutch is no longer a simple military operation. At this stage, Haihan is not sure of winning if he wants to break up with the Dutch. After all, the Dutch are also deployed in the Far East.

It has a certain scale of armed force, including both warships and a considerable number of armed merchant ships. Its maritime strength cannot be underestimated. Moreover, the Dutch have been able to seize Portugal's colonies in the Far East one by one in the past few decades, which also illustrates this

Helping the Nordic barbarians is not a race that is afraid of trouble. They can win a place in the global ocean hegemony not just by luck. If you want to use force to make the Dutch retreat, I am afraid that it is not possible at this stage.

.

Considering that the current relationship with the Ming Dynasty is also at a delicate stage, the follow-up treatment of the Qiongbei occupied area will still require a lot of energy, and the Executive Committee may not be willing to add another strong opponent to itself at this time. If the military

Fang wants to put forward the idea of ​​​​taking action against the Natuna Islands at this time, and the possibility of being rejected by the Executive Committee is extremely high, unless there is a way to avoid a full-scale conflict between the Netherlands and Haihan - such as what Hao Wanqing said on behalf of the Ministry of Security

proposed this plan.

At present, almost all the main forces of the militia, navy and army are deployed in the newly occupied area in northern Hainan Island, and it is unlikely that they will be transferred out of the area in a short time. The number of troops stationed in various prefectures and counties in Qiongnan is already insufficient, and it is even less likely that they will be relocated.

Centralized mobilization, so it is basically impossible to mobilize troops from Hainan Island to the south to seize the Natuna Islands. Of course, among the military's stretched troop deployment, there is also an exceptional troop that happens to be idle, that is, the military unit that was deployed just a month ago in

The combat mission was completed on Hainan Island and the Annan Militia Army was withdrawn to the station where it was resting.

The "Prairie Fire Plan" aimed at occupying Qiongbei is basically a combat plan built around the Annan Militia Army. In the process of the Haihan Militia occupying Qiongbei, the leading role has always been the Annan Militia disguised as a pirate army. It is precisely

Because the Annan militia successfully captured the main prefectures and counties in Qiongbei in the early battles, defeated the resistance of the Ming army, and destroyed local government agencies, the Haihan militia was able to successfully take over these original cities, including Fucheng, in the later intervention.

Belongs to the Ming Dynasty area.

From the perspective of the masses who do not know the truth, the image of the Haihan Militia in this farce is undoubtedly that of a great and upright person with all the attributes, and they have also relatively obediently accepted the so-called "temporary management" of the Haihan Militia. So far,

The results achieved by this action plan are considered very successful, and both the Executive Committee and the military have affirmed it.

If such a useful method is only used once, it would be a bit of a waste. The Ministry of Security obviously intends to squeeze out all the use value of this trick - since it works on Hainan Island, it might as well take it to the south.

Let’s use it again. Anyway, Nanyang is also a place where pirates hang out. It is not difficult to create a group of bold pirates.

Yan Chujie said solemnly: "Have you ever contacted Annan about this matter?"

"Of course not. I have to get Mr. Yan to nod first." Hao Wanqing immediately denied Yan Chujie's suspicion: "Besides, Qian Tiandun does not have the authority to mobilize the local militia troops to leave Annan. Even if he wants to carry out combat missions, then

The order must be issued directly by the Military Commission."

"In addition to the intelligence you have provided before, we also need to understand the specific defense deployment of the local port, the size of the garrison, the hydrological conditions of the port, and the situation of the local people. If necessary, we may also need to have personnel lurking in as a backup during our operations.

Guide." Yan Chujie made up his mind much faster than Hao Wanqing expected, but he also put forward a series of requirements: "How much information we can grasp before taking action is inversely proportional to the risk of the action. This principle

I think you understand too."

Hao Wanqing nodded and responded: "Of course I understand that these military requirements are very reasonable and we will try our best to meet them. We already have our people lurking in the Natuna Islands, but there is no better solution for the purpose of transmitting intelligence. This

This matter also requires the assistance of your military. After all, only your military has the right to dispatch maritime liaison ships."

The so-called maritime liaison ship is actually a warship equipped with a radio. However, except for the two majesty-class flagships, other warships do not have fixed radio configurations. The radio often follows wherever the naval commander goes. And

The navy's operations at sea are currently mainly implemented through semaphores, signal lights and a small number of high-power walkie-talkies. These tools are sufficient to maintain information communication between ships during wartime. However, if the fleet wants to maintain contact with the base camp, it still needs

It has to rely on limited radio stations to complete. To send liaison ships carrying radio stations overseas, this authority is only available to the military. The intelligence station of the Ministry of Security in Nanyang cannot deploy radio stations. In addition to security considerations, part of the reason

It's also because of insufficient permissions.

Now that Yan Chujie has been moved, Hao Wanqing's purpose of interviewing him has basically been achieved. As long as the general direction is agreed upon, there is no need for the two leaders to proceed slowly with some subsequent details.

Just leave the consultation to your subordinates.

On December 10, just two days after the budget and final accounts meeting was completed, and all departments were still busy reviewing the unit's accounts, the Executive Committee held another emergency meeting. The scope of the emergency meeting was much smaller than the previous one.

There are only nine members of the Standing Committee, as well as special representatives from the military and the Ministry of Security. The content of the meeting was not communicated to various departments after the meeting like an ordinary standing meeting. All participants were required to keep their mouths shut temporarily and were not allowed to report to the meeting.

leak the contents of this meeting.

December 12, 1630, Camp at Tushan Peninsula, Annan.

Qian Tiandun held the secret telegram just sent from the Sanya base camp in his hand, with a very solemn expression. He originally thought that after the end of Qiongbei's "Prairie Fire Plan", the militia troops stationed in Annan would not have any more action arrangements in the near future, but no

Thinking that it had only been more than a month since we returned to the Annan station, the Executive Committee was preparing to activate Annan's special force.

"This is really using us as actors!" Qian Tiandun read the contents of the telegram repeatedly and couldn't help but sigh.

The message requested Qian Tiandun to gradually transfer the elite forces of the Annan garrison to the southern region in the near future and conduct targeted island seizing exercises. In addition, the base camp has sent a reconnaissance fleet south from Sanya to Natuna in the South China Sea.

The fleet will carry out reconnaissance missions on the archipelago. The fleet will stop at Da Nang, which is under construction on the way, and will take the local commander Mu Xiabai with it to go south to participate in this reconnaissance mission.

"Takahashi, the executive committee wants us to prepare to go south to fight the Dutch. What do you think?" Qian Tiandun put down the message and asked Gao Qiaonan, who stood up straight. Currently, his two deputies, Mu Xiabai and Feng Annan, are both

Not in the local area, one went to Thang Long to discuss with the Annan military about the list of officers for next year's training, and the other was in Da Nang in the south to maintain local security. He was about to be assigned to perform a reconnaissance mission. He was trustworthy and could discuss things.

Of the people, only close confidant Takahashi Minami is left.

"Sir, this is a good opportunity for our department to make another military exploit!" Takahashi Minami responded solemnly: "Sir, please let me fight!"

"This is not a pre-war mobilization meeting, so there is no need for such passionate emotions." Qian Tiandun waved his hand to stop Takahashi Nan from continuing to express his position: "Just like the usual tactical deductions, I just want you to tell me what you think about it.

What do you think of this move by the executive committee?”

Gao Qiaonan's face relaxed a little: "Our army's military base in Cam Ranh Bay has just begun to level the foundation, and the port and pier have not yet been landed. It seems a little early to launch an attack on the Nanyang Sea at this time. I have seen the Nanyang Sea before.

Pictured, the location of the Natuna Islands is too far away from Annan. If we want to fight there, supply may become a serious problem."

"The Executive Committee is indeed taking risks." Qian Tiandun nodded and agreed with Gao Qiaonan's statement, and his evaluation was even more bold and explicit: "This is not very consistent with the conservative style of the Executive Committee.

So after I received the telegram, I called back specifically to confirm. Judging from this decision, the Executive Committee must be a little impatient to wait. I think the Military Commission and the Ministry of Security must have played a significant role in promoting this process."

Takahashi Minami remained silent and did not respond. Let alone commenting on the executive committee's decision in front of his superiors, even if he just expressed his stance, that was not what an officer of his level should do. As a retainer samurai,

Takahashi Minami has a very strong sense of hierarchy. Although he has been joining the vigilante group for nearly three years, he still has not changed this habit.

Qian Tiandun sighed and said: "It's a pity that we still can't fight openly in this battle. We still have to pretend to be pirates like last time."

Takahashi Nan couldn't keep calm now and asked in surprise: "Why is this happening? Doesn't that area belong to the Dutch? There is no direct trade between us and the Dutch, why doesn't the Executive Committee dare?

Offend them?"

"Because the Dutch are also very strong at sea, the executive committee does not want to bring another strong opponent to themselves at this time." Qian Tiandun had to spend a few minutes to give Gao Qiaonan a brief introduction.

Let’s take a look at the Dutch maritime position in this era.

After listening to this, Takahashi Minami became obviously depressed: "So our army cannot go to war with the Dutch Navy for the time being?"

"It's not that we can't, but it's not necessary." Qian Tiandun shook his head and said: "We are now in full-scale war with the Dutch. No matter whether we win or lose, it will not be of much practical benefit to us. Even if we beat them out of Nanyang,

There is not enough manpower to occupy the blank area they left. The Executive Committee wants to attack the Natuna Islands, but they just hope to capture it and use it as a sea supply station to go south to deal with the Dutch in the future."

While explaining to Gao Qiaonan, Qian Tiandun also clarified the strategic intentions of the Executive Committee. As a senior military officer, he had no resistance to the combat orders issued by the Executive Committee. On the contrary, he had

A trace of excitement. After all, he chose to come to this time and space to lead troops to fight and enjoy the process of conquering the world. But this time the Annan militia army was still unable to fight with its true colors, which made Qian Tiandun feel a little unhappy.

The training intensity of the Annan militia army is much higher than that of militia groups in other areas, and its field combat ability can be ranked first among the entire army. However, except for its appearance in the Battle of Hue, this unit has always remained anonymous and has no name.

The method appeared on the battlefield in its true form. The last time he transformed into a pirate to participate in the Qiongbei battle, although the Military Commission quickly awarded the Annan Militia Army a collective commendation order, it was ultimately unfair and the reason for the award could not be given.

When it was announced, this was a rather frustrating thing for Qian Tiandun and his soldiers.

Fortunately, the Executive Committee and the Military Commission also provided certain compensation in other aspects. For example, the combat rewards for the participants this time were doubled compared to the number promised before the war. Some personnel who achieved military merit during the combat were

After receiving generous rewards, they even had the intention of retiring and returning home. If it were not for the stipulations on the service period of the militia, this wave of veterans would have taken away at least hundreds of soldiers.

Qian Tiandun very much hopes to be able to fight openly and openly in the name of the Annan Military Region, but this plan obviously has no chance of being realized in the near future. The message sent by the Executive Committee made it very clear that the troops attacking the Natuna Islands must be

Fighting as a pirate, no one is allowed to reveal his or her true identity during the execution of a mission, which is another test of the obedience and discipline of the Annan militia.

Qian Tiandun is not worried that his subordinates will disobey orders. During the more than two years of service, these soldiers have been repeatedly tempered. The four words "obey orders" have been deeply imprinted on them.

deep in his heart. But as the supreme commander of the Annan Militia Army, Qian Tiandun still hopes that one day he can fly the banner of the army on the battlefield.

Qian Tiandun wrote a few lines on the paper with a pen, then folded it and handed it to Gao Qiaonan: "Telegraph this to Da Nang."

"Yes!" Takahashi Nan saluted with a military salute, then took the piece of paper and exited the office.

Qian Tiandun was on the Tu Son Peninsula and would definitely not have time to participate in this reconnaissance operation. Therefore, the Military Commission arranged for Mu Xiabai who was in Da Nang to join in. Mu Xiabai's military quality was not questionable, but Qian Tiandun

Dun was a little worried about the extent to which he understood the strategic intentions of the Executive Committee, so he specially emphasized some key points in the telegram.

On December 15, the reconnaissance fleet departing from Sanya arrived at the Da Nang pier. The fleet consisted of three traditional Chinese sailing ships, two "exploration-class" warships, and two catamaran sailing ships that had not been dispatched for a long time.

The lineup for this trip is also luxurious. In addition to Navy Commander Wang Tom personally leading the team, the army, navy, commerce, shipping and other departments all sent capable personnel to participate.
Chapter completed!