Ch.155The Great Depression (5)

# The Unstable Federation

“If I were Japan, I’d attack China when its federal autonomy is unstable.”

“With the Great Depression happening, wouldn’t it be around the same time?”

If federal autonomy continues too long, it will either lead to a unification war or, as Chen Jiongming thought, regions developing their own capabilities. It has to be one of those two.

“So they’ll probably start something when the European situation becomes troublesome too. I really don’t know.”

“You’ve made a rough estimate this time?”

“Yes. I’m thinking between 1935 and 1938.”

Honestly, Japan would attack China anytime if we just dangled the right bait in front of them.

China with federal autonomy and Japan holding Southern Manchuria. That would truly be a magnificent sight.

At least during the Sino-Japanese War, China united under Chiang Kai-shek to face Japan, but with federal autonomy? Who knows?

“Oh. Hmm, that sounds interesting then.”

“Why’s that?”

Maria crossed her arms and put on a serious expression.

What’s with that face? What’s going on?

“I was thinking of placing bets with the Kremlin Palace guards about which year the war will break out—”

Oh, so that’s what this is about.

If I make an estimate, they’ll each bet money on which year it will happen.

But is this really okay? It’s gambling, isn’t it?

The Tsar’s secretary gambling with soldiers? Can this really be overlooked?

“Wow, the Tsar’s secretary gambling with soldiers?”

“I’m sorry!”

Look at her bowing her head immediately. I appreciate her honesty.

Honestly, our Maria seems to have quite a lot of faith in my prophetic abilities to gamble on them.

She’s loyal for trusting me, but using that trust for gambling is a bit much.

But I like that about her.

“I like your boldness. Do as you please.”

“Thank you!”

Maria bowed deeply.

This is only possible because it’s me. If this were Nicholas II’s era, Maria would probably have been kicked out of the palace by now.

I bet even the Roman National Party people would want to replace Maria and the guards if they saw this.

But what can I do? She believes in my prophecies, and she’s using that belief to make bets.

“But will things work out with Britain? Those British bastards have been quite annoying lately.”

Right. We practically gave Britain a unilateral notification about rebuilding the Dual Empire.

Will Britain complain?

They can’t say much since they’ve done their share of misdeeds. If they’re upset, they should stop supporting Communist Germany. Or follow Churchill’s approach.

With the Great Depression, Russia’s influence has grown while the British Empire’s has diminished.

Britain, a toothless lion bowing to Communist Germany and suffering properly from the economic crisis.

Russia, a soaring double-headed eagle rising from civil war while openly condemning Communist Germany and communists.

The Balkan states can tell which side is better.

“That should work out fine too. At least Britain isn’t in a position to refuse right now.”

I said this while tearing open a chocolate pie wrapper.

“Is it because of the Communist Germany issue?”

“That’s right. Those idiots supporting Communist Germany to protect their colonies has, in a way, given justification to the Anti-Comintern Pact countries.”

Britain will have to agree to most things within reason.

In a position where they can’t handle Communist Germany, Britain needs countries in Europe that can stand up to Communist Germany so it doesn’t threaten them.

This is unavoidable.

If you do the math, it means rebuilding Austria is necessary for their own interests.

But conversely, I’m curious about Austria’s side.

By the way, eating this chocolate pie, the texture isn’t as good as the ones from my world.

“By the way, there’s news today.”

“What news?”

“Yugoslavia has protested against Austria.”

Maria brought a newspaper and said this.

Right. Our communist or whatever Yugoslavia has protested against Austria.

Then it’s clearly imminent.

What’s imminent? The rebuilding of the Dual Empire is right around the corner.

But Yugoslavia won’t be able to go to war.

“They can only protest.”

The moment they rise up for war, Russia will step in. What can they do?

Meanwhile, Communist Germany and Italy aren’t ready yet.

But Austria also needs to merge with Hungary again now.

If they waste too much time and Communist Germany and Italy get ready first, it’ll be troublesome.

Hitler needs to keep traveling until his throat is sore to rebuild Austria-Hungary.

Thinking about original history, Hitler really is living life on hard mode.

If it were just Germany, that would be one thing, but Hitler has to gather support from monarchists and people from various countries.

“In the end, it’s up to Hitler.”

Building the Dual Empire. Wielding that immense power.

“Will this Hitler fellow do it properly?”

“I believe in Hitler.”

I believe in Hitler.

At least I believe in our bastard who will remain my ally.

He did a lot of terrible things in the original history, but his tongue that swayed the Germans is on the level of communists.

I wonder how he’ll wag that tongue in Austria. That’s what I’m most curious about.

“You speak of him quite familiarly.”

“Familiar? I don’t have many options.”

The problem is whether Austria has figures like Goebbels or Himmler. Additionally, in the original history, Hitler’s rampages succeeded because his gambling wars all paid off.

I wonder what Austria’s Führer Hitler will be like.

This is quite intriguing.

Hitler clearly stated that his proposal wasn’t just for an empire of Austria or Hungary alone.

He said he would define them as Danubian people.

The country born from this would probably include “Danube” in its name.

Whether Hungary will accept this is another matter, but I think Hungary’s Horthy will cooperate well.

After all, recovering Transylvania was Horthy’s achievement, and the Hungarian nobles were subdued after the communist revolution. There was nothing they couldn’t do if they set their minds to it.

“But there’s a bit of a problem.”

“What problem?”

“This Hitler fellow has instilled hatred for communists in people from the former Dual Empire countries, and has begun suppressing communists nationwide.”

That’s a good thing.

I would gladly applaud and praise Hitler if his gas chambers were filled with communists instead of Jews.

If Hitler diligently kills communists according to plan, that’s fine by me.

Let Communist Germany and Italy cross a river of no return and fight each other diligently.

Suddenly, I noticed a new quote from Hitler in the newspaper.

“If you compare communists to cockroaches, you should apologize to the cockroaches. Because communists are industrial waste not even worthy of being treated as insects.”

Wow, this deserves applause, doesn’t it?

If he’s expressed this level of hatred for communists, I could clap my hands and shed tears.

If Austrians who dance to Hitler’s tongue build up anti-communist sentiment, at least Austria won’t hand itself over to Communist Germany.

Now, what about Hispano-Suiza?

“Hispano-Suiza has established a subsidiary called Hispano-Russia in our Russia. They’re jointly developing engines and weapons.”

“What about France?”

“It seems the French company has shifted to just producing cars.”

That makes sense. As the French Commune expands its influence, Hispano-Suiza had to make different choices.

Above all, Russia directly asked for help.

Plus, I’m here.

Cars are selling tremendously just because I personally endorsed them in advertisements.

Hispano-Suiza probably wants to sell cars in Russia using my authority.

Certainly better than France, where you never know when the Commune might go wild.

I can fully understand that.

I didn’t mention the civil war, but if the Spanish Civil War breaks out, it might be good for Hispano-Suiza to settle in Russia.

“Hispano-Suiza made a significant decision during the Great Depression.”

While everyone is distracted by the Great Depression, Russia is developing weapons with Hispano-Suiza establishing a company in the country.

The funny thing is that communist regimes will also try to take advantage of this opportunity. The problem is that the Anti-Comintern Pact countries aren’t getting their act together.

At least the Balkan small nations and Turkey followed Russia’s lead.

Even Poland did.

But Britain is suffering the most damage, and France is showing signs of a commune uprising.

If I had known this would happen, I might have regretted not actively sharing methods to escape the Great Depression.

Until recently, no one would have gratefully accepted advice from Russia, which they had just helped during the civil war.

Britain has its pride.

Still, I clearly broadcasted domestically via radio, and ambassadors from each country would have heard that the Tsarina said such things.

“But will Hispano-Suiza be helpful to us?”

“It’s good. We’re currently focusing on aircraft.”

Hispano-Suiza provided aircraft engines, so when we develop jet engines, it will help in that direction too.

Fortunately, the State Duma is working hard on this.

“Hmm.”

While munching on what I know is a degraded version of a chocolate pie, I noticed a letter from Beria among the papers piled on the desk.

You show up just when I’m about to forget about you.

“This is from Beria.”

“Yes, it seemed quite substantial, so I prepared it separately.”

Indeed, it’s quite hefty, contained in a file.

What on earth has he brought?

“What is this?”

“From the outside, it looks like a blueprint.”

Looking closely, it is a blueprint. Something familiar that I’ve seen before.

Right, now I understand. This is a jet engine.

It’s clearly shaped like a jet engine, and the name on top of the blueprint is amusing.

-Lavrentiy Beria-

He’s going for the title of jet engine inventor of the United States of Russia.

“An engine. This is a jet engine.”

It seems a bit early. Isn’t Frank Whittle still very young? Perhaps it’s because Beria provided sufficient support.

This means we can make an airplane without propellers.

I see the possibility.

Come to think of it, in the original history, wasn’t Frank Whittle supported by Beria like this?

-Unfortunately, Frank Whittle is a pilot so I can’t bring him to Russia, but I can make it myself.

This Beria? Is he really going to work as an engine inventor?

I never dreamed that Beria would step up to create a jet engine.

“Bring Beria to Russia.”

If Beria can easily make the engine, that will do.

If Beria creates a jet engine, I could even name an airport after him.

That would be enough.

“Are we finally getting the engine?”

Well, I wouldn’t say we’ve got it yet. It’s still just a blueprint.

I’m curious about what will happen if this is built.

While the whole world is groaning under the Great Depression, we’re developing something new.

Weren’t other powers already surprised that Russia is building airplanes?

“We can see the possibility now. It will be possible.”

Britain made jet engines, but they were slower than Germany in putting them into aircraft.

So our goal now is to make jet engines in the early 1930s and put them into airplanes.

While there’s commotion about the Great Depression, Russia is developing new airplanes.

Come to think of it, hasn’t rocket development progressed quite a bit too? Let’s go take a look.

* * *

White Air Force Department

The military structure of the United States of Russia was peculiar.

The Army Department, Navy Department, and Air Force Department were all formally under the command of Tsarina Anastasia as the Commander-in-Chief of the United States White Army, with generals who had distinguished themselves in the Red-White Civil War serving as commanders below her.

Alexander Kolchak

With his victory in the Red-White Civil War, he was in command of the combined fleet, including the existing Black Sea Fleet and fleets from other regions.

In fact, while Ivan Grigorovich, who had been the Naval Minister during the Imperial era, was serving as the Naval Minister as the Russian Imperial Navy was reorganized into the United States Navy, or the White Navy, Alexander Kolchak was effectively overseeing the entire navy.

However, he felt somewhat insecure.

During the civil war, Kolchak’s Siberian Army did rescue the Tsarina, but the Black Baron had fought many of the actual battles.

In other words, he felt uncomfortable because he didn’t seem to have achieved as much as other generals.

Of course, Kolchak played a significant role in rescuing Anastasia just before the fall of Yekaterinburg and establishing a foundation.

With history changed by Anastasia’s possession, he sincerely wanted to achieve merit for the Tsar who had commended him.

Therefore, he wanted to defeat the Italian fleet in the war that would eventually break out.

For this purpose, he established a submarine command.

But even this didn’t reassure him, so he wanted more definitive military power.

That’s why he came up with the idea of dive bomber support.

So he went to see Alexander Mikhailovich Romanov, who had been appointed as the Air Force Commander and was also serving as the Air Force Minister.

“If we engage with the Italian fleet, our fleet will inevitably struggle. Our fleet is too outdated with many ships that should be retired. Moreover, assuming France turns red, there’s a possibility that the French fleet might ally with the Italian fleet.”

The main battlefield would be on land, but Russia claims to be the successor of Rome, and abroad it’s also called the Third Roman Empire besides the United States of Russia.

And since that red Mussolini in Italy is rampaging, claiming that they are the true successors of Rome, as Rome, Russia needed to reclaim not only Constantinople but also the Mediterranean.

“Couldn’t we ally with the British Mediterranean Fleet?”

“Do you trust those British bastards?”

Looking at their recent actions, it’s hard to trust Britain.

Isn’t Britain the one that has been wary of Russia, asking if they’re strengthening their navy?

Would such people properly participate in a war against Communist Germany?

It might be better to ally with Japan instead.

Alexander Mikhailovich Romanov stroked his beard thoughtfully before speaking.

“Certainly, looking at their recent actions, they’re likely to seek a separate peace in a war against Communist Germany.”

“—That’s why I’ve established submarines. The idea is to use the existing Black Sea Fleet as bait, and while they’re occupied, launch torpedo attacks with numerous submarines.”

It was a simple but not bad method.

Using the existing Black Sea Fleet as an escort fleet to protect submarines while drawing the attention of the Italian fleet, and then pounding them with U-boats.

There’s definitely potential, but why bring up the air force here?

“Why did you want to see me?”

Yes, this is important.

“Russia is currently investing heavily in the air force as well. Aren’t we also researching aerial aircraft carriers?”

Kolchak laid the groundwork first.

It’s a suggestion to work together since you’re also receiving a substantial budget.

“Aviation engineer Vladimir Sergeyevich is in charge of that development. We’re keeping it secret for now because we want to show the completed project directly to His Majesty.”

The Zveno project, which was also created in the Soviet Union in the original history.

When the Tsar mentioned aerial aircraft carriers, the air force internally reviewed it positively. Igor Sikorsky briefly took charge, but when Alexander Mikhailovich Romanov became the Air Force Commander, he took over the development project and then assigned it to aviation engineer Vladimir Sergeyevich.

As the United States of Russia’s economy grew daily through reforms, they put more effort into developing aerial aircraft carriers, and it was created at the Sikorsky Aviation Company one year earlier than in the original history.

However, it was still an early version, so they hadn’t informed the Tsar yet.

With Robert Goddard recently succeeding in rocket experiments and even attempting weaponization, something more perfect was needed.

“I’m not suggesting using aerial aircraft carriers, but what about forming large dive bomber squadrons?”

“Dive bomber squadrons?”

“While submarines pound the Italian Mediterranean Fleet and the Italian fleet is tied up with submarines, we unleash dive bombers.”

What if we push in a fleet that’s losing to the Italian fleet and pound them from all directions with a submarine fleet?

What if we add dive bombers to that?

The disadvantage of dive bombers is the high mortality rate of pilots. But what if we attack with numerous dive bombers when the fleet is struggling valiantly at sea?

Russia didn’t even perform properly in World War I.

Alexander Mikhailovich Romanov was leading the air force by the Tsar’s order, but he was reappointed because there was no suitable person and he had been a commander during the Russian Empire era.

However, being a Romanov and becoming a commander under the Tsar’s aura, he too, like Kolchak, wanted to achieve some military merit.

Aerial aircraft carrier. As a Romanov, he needed to properly build aircraft carriers and make them effective in war.

In that sense, Kolchak’s proposal was quite appealing.

“Let’s give it a try then.”