Ch.279Dutch East Indies (2)

The problem is that Indonesia is expected to fall under American influence later. Hmm.

What if the Rome Treaty brutally strikes first against the aggressors, beats them thoroughly, and then grants independence?

If everywhere gets destroyed and they’re granted independence as originally planned, Indonesia will likely suffer significant damage.

If I go there personally and deliberately expose myself to danger, getting targeted by terrorism again, we could secure a more perfect justification.

But I’m reluctant to use the same strategy I already employed in India.

“What’s the plan for movement under the Rome Treaty?”

With their colonial pride at stake, they definitely won’t let this slide.

I’m guessing they’ll strike at least once or twice before considering options.

“We plan to form a suppression force with Dutch East Indies troops and French troops brought in from French Indochina, which is hastily preparing for independence. The treaty organization will soon gather an expeditionary force to send to Indonesia.”

But will that be enough? Aren’t the Dutch East Indies forces and the troops in French Indochina second-rate?

They’ll likely defend with these second-rate troops while sending the main force, but the real issue isn’t Indonesia—it’s America.

“Hmm. Will the United States be okay with this?”

This might anger America. No, let’s look at this differently.

This could actually present an opportunity for America.

Let’s say the Rome Treaty powers thoroughly beat Indonesia into submission. We originally intended to hand over the colonial infrastructure intact, but the rebels made that difficult.

We can say we can’t rebuild it for them, so they’ll have to manage on their own, and then we withdraw.

If America steps in then, a pro-American regime could naturally take control. If handled well, we might even be able to divide Indonesia.

That wouldn’t be bad.

Though it’s rather ironic that even as we try to neatly divide the cake, we’re struggling with decolonization itself.

“There’s been no particular response yet.”

“Hmm. Hmm. Hmmm.”

I tapped the edge of the desk with my pen, deep in thought.

Once the Rome Treaty’s main forces engage, Indonesia will be thoroughly crushed.

Their newly independent military can’t possibly defeat our European forces at their peak. Sukarno, that bastard. Of all things, he had to provoke us while relying on America. We can’t let this slide.

We managed to resolve the India situation well, but the Rome Treaty Organization hasn’t even been operating for five years.

Now is the time to continue showing a united European front.

We need to handle this Indonesia situation decisively.

If MacArthur is behind this, we might have to deal with South America as well. Still, America probably won’t move immediately.

“We need to consider possible American intervention. We must make it clear to America that this rebel suppression is necessary because they attacked first.”

“Yes. We’ve already notified them.”

Just in case anyone suggests we’re targeting Indonesia, we need to address this preemptively.

Then we need to cut Sukarno in half and kill him.

Or should I just go myself?

***

Even in the Kremlin Palace, I couldn’t help but worry.

Whether I should go personally. And in preparation for such situations, we need to maintain technological superiority in weapons over the United States for a while.

Weapons are indeed crucial. Only powerful weapons can maintain peace. Absolutely.

Until the world stabilizes—at least until decolonization is fully achieved—we need to maintain weapons superiority to prevent American interference.

Russia is now engaged in various development projects.

We’ve started developing hydrogen bombs with scientists who previously developed nuclear weapons, supported by scientists from various countries.

I’ve already dropped some hints about hydrogen bombs, so they’ll probably be developed a bit faster than in the original history, but we need to maintain superiority over America for a while to operate the Rome Treaty stably.

For that, our weapons must be ahead.

We need to greatly increase missile range, and we need to resolve this Indonesia situation properly.

Should I just drop more nukes? What if we locate the rebel leadership headquarters and obliterate everything with nuclear weapons—no, nuclear weapons aren’t omnipotent.

If we end everything with nuclear weapons, it could lead to the dangerous belief that nuclear weapons are the solution to everything.

In the worst case, Russia might spiral out of control more quickly. And I don’t know how long I’ll remain immortal.

I think I need to last until the era I was originally from before possessing this body. I need to establish the foundation by then.

Leaders should go to war personally.

If this becomes normalized, countries within the Rome Treaty Organization might develop a tradition where leaders must participate in wars. That might be good too?

So this Indonesian war needs to end as smoothly as possible.

Wait, that approach might actually work well? It might not be bad to integrate with the military forces of each country in the Rome Treaty and jointly suppress Indonesia.

We’d be demonstrating the power of the Rome Treaty to prevent future colonies from acting up.

Let me think about this. This isn’t simply about trusting America.

Europe is focusing on post-war recovery, and those who want power after independence would naturally want to attack and drive out the withdrawing colonial government.

There will be such people. Sukarno in Indonesia is a prime example.

If we ignore this, similar incidents could occur in other colonies. I need to go personally and set an example to show that Europe still has strength to spare.

It feels like I’m becoming a true imperialist leader, but aren’t we granting independence anyway? Just accept the peaceful transfer of government authority!

Suddenly feeling indecisive, I turned my attention to Maria, who was pouring tea.

“Maria. What if I personally take action?”

“Personally, I’d prefer Your Majesty not to go, but from a global perspective, it might not be a bad idea.”

Maria answered my question seriously.

“Why?”

“Well, Your Majesty is already famous, aren’t you? If you personally lead the Rome Treaty forces, it could truly be seen as a unified Europe.”

Instead of the United Nations sending peacekeeping forces, the Roman Emperor personally leads the unified European army.

Isn’t this a bit too nationalistic? But Maria’s point does make sense.

“Hmm.”

So Maria sees it similarly.

If Maria thinks so, it’s probably obvious.

“Grand Duke Vladimir is also eager to participate in this campaign, so it might not be a bad choice.”

Vladimir? Absolutely not.

I am who I am, but that guy seems to be trying to avoid marriage by participating in this.

He should be developing a relationship with Frederike soon. They’re both almost at the end of their prime at thirty.

They should be busy having children at this age, and he dares to want to fight on the battlefield? Not a chance.

“He can’t go. He’s trying to escape marriage.”

No way. He already played a significant role in World War II, and he needs to get married quickly and produce an heir for me.

That’s how we can prepare for the future. If he can’t have children, there’s always Grand Duchess Kira as a backup plan.

Anyway, I need to take action this time.

It would be problematic if Indonesia isn’t subdued quickly.

“Then I’ll take action personally.”

In the end, it’s best if I step in.

Shortly after that.

I declared that I would personally lead the Rome Treaty Organization.

“Wouldn’t it be better for Your Majesty to remain in Moscow? You hold the most important position in the Rome Treaty. Going personally to that distant land is a bit…”

“I’d like to stay too. But what can I do when Indonesia has erupted like this?”

Despite Gastev’s attempts to dissuade me, I clearly declared my intention to go.

Not just Gastev, but initially the Rome Treaty Organization also said it was absurd for the Roman Emperor to travel all the way to Southeast Asia.

“It’s just a former colony that needs to be subdued—the hero of Europe can’t go there.”

“After the previous war, Your Majesty is the absolute monarch symbolizing Europe. You’re not just one person.”

Does that sound strange?

“Sukarno in Indonesia is relying on America and acting arrogantly, and America is clearly watching and waiting to intervene. That’s why I need to take action personally to suppress this quickly.”

It’s a bit precious that we’re spending war funds again, but with America’s strong financial injection, post-war recovery has progressed, and Russia, having suffered little damage to its homeland, remains in a comfortable position.

I’ll go as a single leader. How magnificent is that?

“Let’s show the power of a united Rome.”

The power of a united Rome. That’s what’s important.

“If the Roman Emperor defeats that Southeast Asian rebel leader, Indonesia’s independence movement will be crushed, and the Dutch East Indies can transfer government authority to Mohammad Hatta. And with my involvement, preventing separatist independence won’t be difficult.”

These Indonesians—I was so focused on China and India that I wasn’t watching my back, but this can’t be helped.

Now both India and Indonesia have erupted over decolonization issues.

India was expected, but Indonesia needs to be dealt with by me.

We can’t allow future colonies to make it appear as if they’re defeating the great powers rather than quietly accepting the transfer of authority from colonial governments.

The expeditionary force was organized with a total of 300,000 troops.

Of these, 50,000 were Dutch East Indies troops, 30,000 British troops, 50,000 Dutch troops, 100,000 Russian troops, 20,000 each from the German Empire and Danubian Federation, and hundreds to thousands from smaller countries, totaling 300,000 troops.

Along with the White Fleet, they headed for Indonesia.

***

Batavia, Dutch East Indies

I’ve grown accustomed to traveling like this, but this time I was particularly angry.

To leave Europe again and come all the way to Indonesia at an age when I should be enjoying myself!

I just came here after visiting India. If this had happened while I was in India, I could have gone directly.

“The pro-Dutch local militia and countries that were originally planning to become independent will receive state recognition from the Rome Treaty and help us.”

I nodded at the explanation from Hubertus van Mook, the Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies.

“Hmm, Sukarno’s army seems rather peculiar. I’ve heard Indonesia has many islands. What does the Commander-in-Chief think?”

I looked directly at Robert Mansergh, the Commander-in-Chief of this allied force.

This gentleman is a British soldier who was recently promoted to Lieutenant General and appointed as the Commander-in-Chief of the allied forces.

The Russian forces are commanded by Vlasov, but since the overall commander is Robert Mansergh, I intended to follow his lead.

This could truly be considered a unified European army.

Anyway, I know that Robert Mansergh had made some preparations before I arrived here.

Robert Mansergh pointed to Java Island on the map of Indonesia.

“Their stronghold is in eastern Java Island, where Batavia, the capital of the East Indies, is located. They’re urging independence forces across the islands to fight against the East Indies government. The White Fleet will bombard various islands, isolating and pressuring Sukarno’s forces.”

“And then?”

“The surrounding islands will be controlled by the forces of the future Free State of Indonesia, Sultanate of Pontianak, Pasundan Autonomous State, and Maluku Islands.”

So the plan is to take all the major islands.

Then we might be able to capture them easily from the start.

“In the eastern part, which is their stronghold, Dutch East Indies officer Westerling has organized a pro-Dutch militia called the Ratu Adil Army.”

“What kind of group is that?”

“An anti-Sukarno group. Ratu Adil refers to a legendary ruler in Indonesian mythology, a messianic figure. I’m not sure if they just came up with the name hastily. They will help from within while Russian and British forces land in the east. Then the Dutch East Indies forces and the remaining treaty forces will attack from the front, sandwiching them from both sides.”

Ratu Adil. The name is unusual, but if they’re anti-Sukarno, that’s not bad.

The operation plan seems plausible.

“He was clearly relying on America. I’ve heard that Sukarno recently purchased American weapons.”

“Has America formally intervened?”

“No. It seems that as American forces were withdrawing before Sukarno’s attack, they sold some American weapons at a discount.”

So America hasn’t intervened yet. This is our golden opportunity.

Even if it’s difficult to subdue all the islands because there are too many, there are pro-Dutch factions and those seeking separate independence, so we just need to subdue Sukarno quickly.

“Hmm. But if we take too long, American forces might intervene. Let’s end this quickly. Let’s divide our forces, attempt landings in the east, and deploy our troops.”

It’s fortunate we came before they could gain more power.

BOOM! BOOM!

First, Kuznetsov’s White Fleet began bombarding eastern Java Island, officially beginning the engagement with the rebels.

To prepare for possible American support, we immediately established a tight blockade while heavily bombarding from the east. I personally landed in eastern Java with the Russian and British forces.

Sukarno’s forces had built fortifications and were holding out.

“Sukarno’s forces are tenaciously holding their ground.”

Vlasov admired the enemy’s defensive line.

Since we’re the ones attacking, the defenders have an advantage, but the quality of our troops is better.

“Their fortifications can’t be that strong.”

I said while observing Sukarno’s defensive line through binoculars.

“Yes. It seems the Japanese forces deployed to Southeast Asia built some fortifications to hold against American forces, but they’re hastily constructed. However, their troop numbers are not far behind ours. They’ve reportedly gathered over 280,000 troops, including youth volunteers.”

They seem to have desperately gathered numbers to match us, but unfortunately, they need to consider the difference in weapons.

When did Britain ever rule the world because of superior numbers? That wasn’t the case. It was largely due to superior weapons.

“Numbers mean nothing in the face of advanced weapons. Let’s deploy all our weapons.”

We’ve brought missiles and tanks.

We’d be idiots if we can’t win with these.